Definitions

embarrassing

[im-ber-uhs-ing, em-] / ɪmˈbɛr əs ɪŋ, ɛm- /

ADJECTIVE

humiliating, shaming

Synonyms

STRONGEST

awkward confusing difficult disconcerting distressing disturbing exasperating inconvenient perplexing puzzling shameful ticklish tricky troublesome troubling uncomfortable unseemly upsetting worrisome

STRONG

bewildering compromising discomfiting discommoding distracting mortifying rattling

WEAK

delicate disagreeable discommodious equivocal impossible incommodious inopportune sensitive sticky touchy uneasy unpropitious

Antonyms

STRONGEST

convenient easy helpful straightforward uncomplicated

WEAK

comfortable unshameful

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Appeared in the February 20, 2026, print edition as 'The Embarrassing Truth About Tariffs'.

From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 19, 2026

"Embarrassing" as John McGinn described the performance, later on.

From BBC • Mar. 23, 2025

Embarrassing Bezos is the one thing this cancellation campaign has been able to accomplish.

From Slate • Oct. 29, 2024

"Embarrassing," added former federal prosecutor Andrew Weissmann, who served on special counsel Bob Mueller's team.

From Salon • Oct. 19, 2023

Embarrassing dancing and dysfunction aside, my family’s not so bad.

From "The Hate U Give" by Angie Thomas

Vocabulary lists containing embarrassing

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Schooled

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