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.
Clark’s introductory press conference with the Fever was a harbinger of things to come: a male reporter appeared to make a cringeworthy attempt at flirtation with Clark; he was suspended and prohibited from covering the Fever. Sean Gregory, TIME, 10 Dec. 2024 But the most sinister aspect of the movie, to me, is how banal its serial rapists are—how corny and ineffectual, these cringeworthy failsons. Sophie Gilbert, The Atlantic, 6 Dec. 2024 While Jets fans may be used to such dire straits as the NFL regular season enters its final full month, the implosion of both New York franchises makes for one of the league’s most cringeworthy storylines this year. Kyle Feldscher, CNN, 27 Nov. 2024 In a relatable twist, some users even shared their own cringeworthy mix-ups. Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 6 Nov. 2024 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

Dictionary Entries Near cringeworthy

Cite this Entry

“Cringeworthy.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/cringeworthy. Accessed 2 Jan. 2025.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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