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
The Kursk incursion was embarrassing for Moscow and raised questions over its ability to protect its own borders.
—Maria Kostenko, Christian Edwards and Sophie Tanno, CNN, 9 Mar. 2025
Despite the embarrassing moment, Seyfried went home a winner at the 2023 Critics Choice Awards.
—Jack Dunn, Variety, 9 Mar. 2025
Perhaps the most embarrassing moment in the history of our country.
—CBS News, 5 Mar. 2025
Being rejected is seen as, at worst, an embarrassing personal failure, and, at best, an obstacle standing in the way of our hearts’ desires: a dream job, a thriving social circle, a first date with a gorgeous future partner.
—Jillian Anthony, Vox, 5 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for embarrassing
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Maria Kostenko, Christian Edwards and Sophie Tanno, CNN, 9 Mar. 2025
Despite the embarrassing moment, Seyfried went home a winner at the 2023 Critics Choice Awards.
—Jack Dunn, Variety, 9 Mar. 2025
Perhaps the most embarrassing moment in the history of our country.
—CBS News, 5 Mar. 2025
Being rejected is seen as, at worst, an embarrassing personal failure, and, at best, an obstacle standing in the way of our hearts’ desires: a dream job, a thriving social circle, a first date with a gorgeous future partner.
—Jillian Anthony, Vox, 5 Mar. 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 12 Mar. 2025.
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