embarrassing

adjective

em·​bar·​rass·​ing im-ˈber-ə-siŋ How to pronounce embarrassing (audio)
-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 adverb
an embarrassingly messy house

Examples of embarrassing in a Sentence

an embarrassing failure of memory inauspiciously marked my first appearance as an actor
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
All of his answers are incredibly embarrassing, a total disaster. Andy Hoglund, EW.com, 13 Apr. 2025 On several levels, this has been an embarrassing week for the organization. Tony Jones, New York Times, 12 Apr. 2025 However, in late March, a plane had to turn around while en route from Los Angeles to Shanghai, for one seriously frustrating reason for passengers and one epically embarrassing one for the pilot. Stacey Leasca, Travel + Leisure, 3 Apr. 2025 The Sacramento Kings hit a new low Wednesday with an embarrassing loss that could jeopardize their chances of making the Western Conference play-in tournament. Jason Anderson, Sacbee.com, 3 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for embarrassing

Word History

First Known Use

1778, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of embarrassing was in 1778

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Embarrassing.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/embarrassing. Accessed 19 Apr. 2025.

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Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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