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
Many Alaskans see the prospect as an embarrassing paradox – akin to Hawaii importing pineapples or New Mexico importing green chiles.
—Brett Watson, The Conversation, 24 Apr. 2025
Real people experience messy days, tell jokes, and share embarrassing stories.
—Jodie Cook, Forbes.com, 23 Apr. 2025
The new White House initiative comes after an embarrassing viral moment for McMahon, who on April 8 confused AI with A.1., a popular steak sauce, during a conference in San Diego.
—Joey Garrison, USA Today, 23 Apr. 2025
That was embarrassing, but not as bad as Oslo’s last-minute exit following a collapse in local support for the bid.
—Matt Slater, New York Times, 22 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for embarrassing
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Brett Watson, The Conversation, 24 Apr. 2025
Real people experience messy days, tell jokes, and share embarrassing stories.
—Jodie Cook, Forbes.com, 23 Apr. 2025
The new White House initiative comes after an embarrassing viral moment for McMahon, who on April 8 confused AI with A.1., a popular steak sauce, during a conference in San Diego.
—Joey Garrison, USA Today, 23 Apr. 2025
That was embarrassing, but not as bad as Oslo’s last-minute exit following a collapse in local support for the bid.
—Matt Slater, New York Times, 22 Apr. 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 Apr. 2025.
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