embarrassing
8 synonyms for embarrassing, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Adjective — Causing feelings of shame or awkward self-consciousness.
Synonyms
Everyday swaps
Common words most readers know — safe in any writing.
Less common
Still standard English, but they carry more weight.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
How to use embarrassing
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
embarrassing moment
embarrassing situation
deeply embarrassing
Etymology
By surface analysis, formed from embarrass and -ing.
Full origin of embarrassing →Frequently asked questions
What does “embarrassing” mean?
The word “embarrassing” means causing feelings of shame or awkward self-consciousness. In plain terms, describes a situation, action, or comment that makes someone (or you) feel awkward or ashamed.
How do you pronounce “embarrassing”?
“Embarrassing” is pronounced ihm-BAR-uh-sihng (/ɪmˈbæɹ.ə.sɪŋ/ in IPA).
How do you use “embarrassing” in a sentence?
Here is “embarrassing” used in a sentence: “It was an embarrassing moment for the whole team.”
What part of speech is “embarrassing”?
“Embarrassing” is an adjective.
Is “embarrassing” a common word?
“Embarrassing” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the A2 level.
What is the difference between "embarrassing" and "embarrassed"?
"Embarrassing" describes something that causes shame or awkward self-consciousness, while "embarrassed" describes the person who feels that shame. A situation, mistake, or photo is embarrassing; the person experiencing it feels embarrassed.
What is the difference between "embarrassing" and "humiliating"?
Both describe things that cause self-conscious discomfort, but "humiliating" is stronger and suggests a deep loss of dignity or public degradation. "Embarrassing" usually points to milder, more everyday awkwardness.
Why does "embarrassing" have two r's and two s's?
"Embarrassing" is spelled with a double "r" and a double "s," which makes it one of the most commonly misspelled English words. Remembering that it is "really really" and "so so" awkward can help you keep both double letters.
When should you use "embarrassing" instead of "awkward"?
Use "embarrassing" when a situation actively causes feelings of shame or self-consciousness, and "awkward" when a situation is simply uncomfortable, clumsy, or socially strained. Something embarrassing is usually also awkward, but awkward moments are not always shameful.
