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

The arrest warrant for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu issued by the International Criminal Court is an embarrassment to our government, as well as to his. —Sun Sentinel Editorial Board, Sun Sentinel, 26 Nov. 2024

In 1996, on the cusp of finishing a perfect season and a shot at a national title, ASU went to Tucson, fully aware of the program's previous embarrassments. —Matthew Self, The Arizona Republic, 26 Nov. 2024

And, my goodness, Sunday’s loss was an embarrassment from start (a near-fight pregame) to finish (Deebo Samuel refusing to talk to the media afterward). —Dieter Kurtenbach, The Mercury News, 24 Nov. 2024

Arizona Cardinals: After Sunday's embarrassment of the embarrassing Jets, the Cardinals have won four in a row. —Jim Reineking, USA TODAY, 11 Nov. 2024

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