embarrassment
noun
em·bar·rass·ment
im-ˈber-əs-mənt 
-ˈba-rəs-
1
a
: something that embarrasses
the scandal was a major embarrassment
b
: an excessive quantity from which to select
—used especially in the phrase embarrassment of riches
2
: the state of being embarrassed: such as
a
: confusion or disturbance of mind
couldn't hide her embarrassment
b
: difficulty arising from the want of money to pay debts
c
: difficulty in functioning as a result of disease
cardiac embarrassment
Examples of embarrassment in a Sentence
She couldn't hide her embarrassment.
The scandal was a major embarrassment for the government.
He's an embarrassment to his family.
Recent Examples on the Web
Pok rounded his building's corner, head down, embarrassment pounding at his ears and rain pelting the nape of his neck.
—
Danielle Parker, CBS News, 2 Apr. 2026
Studies have found that embarrassment around menstruation remains common, with many girls reporting anxiety about leaks, staining or being noticed by peers.
—Daniella Gray, MSNBC Newsweek, 1 Apr. 2026
Governor Gavin Newsom cannot effectively intervene to pressure candidates to drop out without risking significant political damage, including potential embarrassment if his efforts fail and potentially alienating voters of color whose prominent candidates would likely be targets for exit.
—Los Angeles Times, 1 Apr. 2026
Emily Hughes, author of Horror for Weenies, published an excellent reflection on the deeper issues at play, as well as the personal embarrassment of falling for it.
—James Folta, Literary Hub, 1 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for embarrassment
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Danielle Parker, CBS News, 2 Apr. 2026
Studies have found that embarrassment around menstruation remains common, with many girls reporting anxiety about leaks, staining or being noticed by peers.
—Daniella Gray, MSNBC Newsweek, 1 Apr. 2026
Governor Gavin Newsom cannot effectively intervene to pressure candidates to drop out without risking significant political damage, including potential embarrassment if his efforts fail and potentially alienating voters of color whose prominent candidates would likely be targets for exit.
—Los Angeles Times, 1 Apr. 2026
Emily Hughes, author of Horror for Weenies, published an excellent reflection on the deeper issues at play, as well as the personal embarrassment of falling for it.
—James Folta, Literary Hub, 1 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for embarrassment
Cite this Entry
“Embarrassment.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/embarrassment. Accessed 5 Apr. 2026.
Copy CitationKids Definition
embarrassment
noun
em·bar·rass·ment
im-ˈbar-əs-mənt
1
a
: something that embarrasses
the scandal was a terrible embarrassment
b
: an overly large quantity from which to select
—used especially in the phrase embarrassment of riches
2
: the state of being embarrassed
blushed with embarrassment
Medical Definition
embarrassment
noun
em·bar·rass·ment
im-ˈbar-ə-smənt
: difficulty in functioning as a result of disease
cardiac embarrassment
respiratory embarrassment
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