embarrassing

adjective

em·bar·rass·ing im-ˈber-ə-siŋ

-ˈba-rə-

: 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

-ˈba-rə-

adverb

an embarrassingly messy house

Examples of embarrassing in a Sentence

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.

While farting during a walk can be embarrassing, some people embrace the benefits. —

Nancy Lebrun, Verywell Health, 7 Feb. 2025 The gesture might rank as one of the most embarrassing in hip-hop history. —

Craig Jenkins, Vulture, 7 Feb. 2025 The book version of Bridget has come in for derision as an embarrassing relic of postfeminism, screwing up even the most basic personal and professional tasks, and fixated on her thigh circumference and her office crushes. —

Sophie Gilbert, The Atlantic, 7 Feb. 2025 That’s very impersonal — and worse, can be embarrassing and damaging to your brand! —

Fairchild Studio, WWD, 6 Feb. 2025 See all Example Sentences for embarrassing