embarrassing

1 of 2

adjective

em·​bar·​rass·​ing im-ˈber-ə-siŋ 

-ˈba-rə-

: causing a feeling of self-conscious confusion and distress : causing embarrassment

an embarrassing error

The official was ever so polite, and ever so sorry, but the rule was strict, and he could not let us in. It was very embarrassing, for many eyes were on us.

—Mark Twain

embarrassingly

im-ˈber-ə-siŋ-lē 

-ˈba-rə-

adverb

an embarrassingly messy house

embarrassing

2 of 2

present participle of embarrass

Synonyms of embarrassing

Adjective

• uncomfortable
• awkward
• unpleasant
• difficult
• confusing
• disturbing

Examples of embarrassing in a Sentence

Adjective

an embarrassing failure of memory inauspiciously marked my first appearance as an actor

Recent Examples on the Web

Adjective

What’s most embarrassing is that Alexis can’t even commit to storming off. — Louis Peitzman, Vulture, 9 Oct. 2026

The New York Yankees' season ended in embarrassing fashion on Wednesday night, getting swept on their home field by their AL East rival Tampa Bay Rays in the American League Division Series. — Ryan Morik Outkick, FOXNews.com, 8 Oct. 2026

Lottie truly believes that armed with her diary and a plan for total re-invention, everything will go great and not be embarrassing at all. — Max Goldbart, Deadline, 6 Oct. 2026

The Seahawks, defending Super Bowl champions, got a collective whiff of smelling salts before Sunday’s game, having suffered an embarrassing loss at Washington a week earlier. — Los Angeles Times, 5 Oct. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

Adjective

1778, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for embarrassing

• polarising
• terracing