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

Synonyms

• abashment
• confusion
• discomfiture
• disconcertment
• fluster
• mortification

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

Court records show that CGV was keen to avoid embarrassment associated with the deal. —Gene Maddaus, Variety, 31 Mar. 2025

The term had the slightly kitschy flavor of other Cold War embarrassments—C.I.A. spy cats and Reds-under-the-bed paranoia. —Nikhil Krishnan, New Yorker, 31 Mar. 2025

One of the arcs that was condensed when season 7 became a 10-episode final season was the fallout of Vic’s public embarrassment of the mayor. —Alamin Yohannes, EW.com, 28 Mar. 2025

Moreover, the blasé, derogatory, and arrogant commentary about the United States' closest allies in Europe that was part of the exchanges is a major embarrassment to all Americans. —Paul Du Quenoy, MSNBC Newsweek, 26 Mar. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1676, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Phrases Containing embarrassment

• embarrassment of riches

Kids 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