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
Suppose your partner shared something embarrassing months ago during a vulnerable moment.
—Mark Travers, Forbes.com, 17 May 2026
The idea that an Israeli force could have been conducting military operations under their noses put Iraqi authorities in an embarrassing position.
—Arkansas Online, 16 May 2026
The trial unearthed embarrassing emails, texts, and diary entries of some of the most powerful people in Silicon Valley.
—Reed Albergotti, semafor.com, 15 May 2026
There are few party fouls as embarrassing as breaking a dish.
—Ella Field, Better Homes & Gardens, 15 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for embarrassing
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Mark Travers, Forbes.com, 17 May 2026
The idea that an Israeli force could have been conducting military operations under their noses put Iraqi authorities in an embarrassing position.
—Arkansas Online, 16 May 2026
The trial unearthed embarrassing emails, texts, and diary entries of some of the most powerful people in Silicon Valley.
—Reed Albergotti, semafor.com, 15 May 2026
There are few party fouls as embarrassing as breaking a dish.
—Ella Field, Better Homes & Gardens, 15 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for embarrassing
Cite this Entry
“Embarrassing.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/embarrassing. Accessed 21 May. 2026.
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