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
As a further embarrassment, our country voted alongside such paragons of liberty as Belarus and North Korea in voting against a United Nations resolution condemning Russia’s aggression.
—
The Editorial Board, Orange County Register, 5 Mar. 2025
This is not a tell-all memoir, nor does Merkel waste any time on introspection, beyond admitting to a few small, personal embarrassments.
—The Know, The Denver Post, 2 Mar. 2025
Widely seen as a diplomatic embarrassment, the exchange raised concerns about America's commitment to supporting Ukraine against Russian invasion.
—Dan Perry, Newsweek, 2 Mar. 2025
To the government’s utter embarrassment, their own project upstream has stalled for years.
—Scott Travers, Forbes, 27 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for embarrassment
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The Editorial Board, Orange County Register, 5 Mar. 2025
This is not a tell-all memoir, nor does Merkel waste any time on introspection, beyond admitting to a few small, personal embarrassments.
—The Know, The Denver Post, 2 Mar. 2025
Widely seen as a diplomatic embarrassment, the exchange raised concerns about America's commitment to supporting Ukraine against Russian invasion.
—Dan Perry, Newsweek, 2 Mar. 2025
To the government’s utter embarrassment, their own project upstream has stalled for years.
—Scott Travers, Forbes, 27 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for embarrassment
Cite this Entry
“Embarrassment.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/embarrassment. Accessed 14 Mar. 2025.
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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