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
Mark TwainExamples of embarrassing in a Sentence
an embarrassing failure of memory inauspiciously marked my first appearance as an actor
Recent Examples on the Web
But for Dylan, going from Jew to Jesus freak—however slack a Jew he’d been—was no more questionable or embarrassing to him than going from acoustic to electric.
—Literary Hub, 28 Oct. 2025
Another disappointing effort came from the Dallas Cowboys in Week 8, as the team suffered an embarrassing loss to the Denver Broncos.
—Matthew Couden, MSNBC Newsweek, 27 Oct. 2025
The stands inside David Booth Kansas Memorial Stadium in Lawrence reflected what many fans viewed as an embarrassing display — considering the opponent and expectations.
—Shreyas Laddha, Kansas City Star, 25 Oct. 2025
What is your most embarrassing moment on a football field?
—Kirk Kenney, San Diego Union-Tribune, 24 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for embarrassing
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Literary Hub, 28 Oct. 2025
Another disappointing effort came from the Dallas Cowboys in Week 8, as the team suffered an embarrassing loss to the Denver Broncos.
—Matthew Couden, MSNBC Newsweek, 27 Oct. 2025
The stands inside David Booth Kansas Memorial Stadium in Lawrence reflected what many fans viewed as an embarrassing display — considering the opponent and expectations.
—Shreyas Laddha, Kansas City Star, 25 Oct. 2025
What is your most embarrassing moment on a football field?
—Kirk Kenney, San Diego Union-Tribune, 24 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for embarrassing
Cite this Entry
“Embarrassing.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/embarrassing. Accessed 29 Oct. 2025.
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