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
After the embarrassing clip of the coworkers went beyond viral, both resigned from their positions at the AI tech company.
—Madeleine Marr, Miami Herald, 30 July 2025
If Chekhov has no style, then why is there such an embarrassing number of translations of Chekhov?
—Philip Metres
july 30, Literary Hub, 30 July 2025
The recordings also contain what would be some embarrassing moments, like the time when, as a young congressman, Bentsen called for a widespread nuclear attack on North Korea before the end of the Korean War.
—John C. Moritz, Austin American Statesman, 30 July 2025
The study found these effects worked across a wide range of products and situations, from embarrassing items like anti-diarrheal medication to everyday products like sweaters and phone chargers.
—Roger Dooley, Forbes.com, 29 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for embarrassing
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.
Madeleine Marr, Miami Herald, 30 July 2025
If Chekhov has no style, then why is there such an embarrassing number of translations of Chekhov?
—Philip Metres
july 30, Literary Hub, 30 July 2025
The recordings also contain what would be some embarrassing moments, like the time when, as a young congressman, Bentsen called for a widespread nuclear attack on North Korea before the end of the Korean War.
—John C. Moritz, Austin American Statesman, 30 July 2025
The study found these effects worked across a wide range of products and situations, from embarrassing items like anti-diarrheal medication to everyday products like sweaters and phone chargers.
—Roger Dooley, Forbes.com, 29 July 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 3 Aug. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share