embarrassing
ihm-BAR-uh-sihng
Embarrassing (adjective) means causing feelings of shame or awkward self-consciousness. Example: “It was embarrassing to forget my own phone number in front of everyone.”
adjective
1
Causing feelings of shame or awkward self-consciousness.
"The story struck the depressingly familiar note with which true stories ring in the tried ears of experienced policemen. No one queried it. It was in the classic pattern of human weakness, mean and embarrassing and sad."
— Margery Allingham, Eye Witness (1963)
"It was embarrassing to forget my own phone number in front of everyone."
"It was an embarrassing moment for the whole team."
"Falling asleep in the meeting was pretty embarrassing."
How to use embarrassing
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishDescribes a situation, action, or comment that makes someone (or you) feel awkward or ashamed.
Common pairings
embarrassing moment
embarrassing situation
deeply embarrassing
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Word forms
- Plural
- embarrassings
- Comparative
- more embarrassing
- Superlative
- most embarrassing
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
It was _____ to forget my own phone number in front of everyone.
Etymology
By surface analysis, formed from embarrass and -ing.
Synonyms
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Rhymes for embarrassing
See all rhymes for 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.
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