embarrassment
noun
em·bar·rass·ment
im-ˈber-əs-mənt 
-ˈba-rəs-
1
a
: something that embarrasses
the scandal was a major embarrassment
b
: an excessive quantity from which to select
—used especially in the phrase embarrassment of riches
2
: the state of being embarrassed: such as
a
: confusion or disturbance of mind
couldn't hide her embarrassment
b
: difficulty arising from the want of money to pay debts
c
: difficulty in functioning as a result of disease
cardiac embarrassment
Examples of embarrassment in a Sentence
She couldn't hide her embarrassment.
The scandal was a major embarrassment for the government.
He's an embarrassment to his family.
Recent Examples on the Web
Indeed, President Trump will probably never appeal his executive order losses in lower courts to avoid the embarrassment of losing in the Supreme Court populated with three Trump appointees.
—
Bruce Fein, Baltimore Sun, 30 June 2025
Our parade in Fort Lauderdale was a fitting tribute to a great hockey team, while Trump’s embarrassment of a parade was a fitting tribute to a failed presidency.
—Sun Sentinel Editorial Board, Sun Sentinel, 30 June 2025
His squad is not the strongest in the defensive department, so his tactics will need to be on point to avoid another embarrassment.
—Neel Shelat, Forbes.com, 27 June 2025
That could result in loss of income, public embarrassment or damage to the person’s standing in the community.
—Bethany Wales, Sacbee.com, 27 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for embarrassment
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Bruce Fein, Baltimore Sun, 30 June 2025
Our parade in Fort Lauderdale was a fitting tribute to a great hockey team, while Trump’s embarrassment of a parade was a fitting tribute to a failed presidency.
—Sun Sentinel Editorial Board, Sun Sentinel, 30 June 2025
His squad is not the strongest in the defensive department, so his tactics will need to be on point to avoid another embarrassment.
—Neel Shelat, Forbes.com, 27 June 2025
That could result in loss of income, public embarrassment or damage to the person’s standing in the community.
—Bethany Wales, Sacbee.com, 27 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for embarrassment
Cite this Entry
“Embarrassment.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/embarrassment. Accessed 21 Jul. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
embarrassment
noun
em·bar·rass·ment
im-ˈbar-əs-mənt
1
a
: something that embarrasses
the scandal was a terrible embarrassment
b
: an overly large quantity from which to select
—used especially in the phrase embarrassment of riches
2
: the state of being embarrassed
blushed with embarrassment
Medical Definition
embarrassment
noun
em·bar·rass·ment
im-ˈbar-ə-smənt
: difficulty in functioning as a result of disease
cardiac embarrassment
respiratory embarrassment
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