embarrassing

1 of 2

adjective

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

embarrassing

2 of 2

present participle of embarrass

Synonyms of embarrassing

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Adjective

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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
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.
Adjective
This time, Bilt cardholders received mistaken debt collection notices and saw their credit scores go down as a result, sparking more embarrassing news stories and angry complaints. — Andy Kroll, ProPublica, 31 Aug. 2026 Determining which loss is worse, or more embarrassing, is like asking which piece of dog poop tastes better. — Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 29 Aug. 2026 Similarly, which athlete had the worst attempt at rapping and which rapper had the most embarrassing attempt at athletics? — Alphonse Pierre, Pitchfork, 25 Aug. 2026 The news of San Francisco 49ers owner Jed York’s arrest in Ohio Sunday for initially engaging in prostitution is undoubtedly embarrassing for York and concerning for the franchise. — Chris Biderman, Sacbee.com, 25 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for embarrassing

Word History

First Known Use

Adjective

1778, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of embarrassing was in 1778

Rhymes for embarrassing

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Browse Nearby Words

embarrassed
embarrassing
embarrassment
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Cite this Entry

“Embarrassing.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/embarrassing. Accessed 1 Sep. 2026.

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