cringeworthy

adjective

cringe·​wor·​thy ˈkrinj-ˌwər-t͟hē How to pronounce cringeworthy (audio)
: so embarrassing, awkward, or upsetting as to cause one to cringe
a cringeworthy performance

Examples of cringeworthy in a Sentence

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.
At once cringeworthy and exceeding earnest, CHUCK AND BUCK was shot on digital with a shoe-string budget and received a much ballyhooed premiere 25 years ago at the 2000 Sundance Film Festival. Samantha Bergeson, IndieWire, 6 Mar. 2025 In a TikTok video shared on Thursday, February 27, the comedian recalled a cringeworthy moment from their brief fling in the '90s. Dan Perry, Newsweek, 28 Feb. 2025 She is amused by but does not shame Javadi after her utterly cringeworthy attempt to ask Mateo out on a date. Maggie Fremont, Vulture, 27 Feb. 2025 Nathan Fielder’s intentionally cringeworthy HBO docu-comedy series The Rehearsal will return for Season Two on April 20. Mankaprr Conteh, Rolling Stone, 27 Feb. 2025 See All Example Sentences for cringeworthy

Word History

First Known Use

1977, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of cringeworthy was in 1977

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Cringeworthy.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/cringeworthy. Accessed 10 Mar. 2025.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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