embarrassment

[em-bar-uhs-muhnt] / ɛmˈbær əs mənt /

NOUN

humiliation, shame

Synonyms

STRONGEST

chagrin confusion difficulty dilemma mess mistake unease

STRONG

awkwardness bashfulness bind clumsiness complexity destitution discomfiture discomposure disconcertion distress fix hitch indebtedness indiscretion inhibition mortification pickle pinch plight poverty predicament puzzle quandary scrape self-consciousness shyness snag stew strait tangle timidity uneasiness

WEAK

awkward situation boo-boo egg on face faux pas hot seat hot water impecuniosity

Antonyms

STRONGEST

calm order organization pleasure solution

STRONG

advantage benefit blessing boldness boon convenience ease good fortune happiness peace

WEAK

comfort confidence

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.

X, red with embarrassment, said it was over and Ernie released him.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 12, 2026

In his nuanced interpretation, Biff’s initial embarrassment at his father’s wandering mind turns to a tender and then fiery compassion.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 10, 2026

From kick-off, Sport Recife passed the ball among themselves for 18 seconds before Cassiano finished the move - to his own embarrassment.

From BBC • Apr. 10, 2026

He takes the defiance as an insult and the public insult as an embarrassment.

From Slate • Apr. 6, 2026

My face flushed with embarrassment, but I couldn’t seem to stammer out an apology.

From "The Brightwood Code" by Monica Hesse

Vocabulary lists containing embarrassment

Emotions on Display

Looking to grow your vocabulary? Check out this interactive, curated word list from our team of English language specialists at Vocabulary.com – one of over 17,000 lists we've built to help learners worldwide!

Much Ado: Synonyms for "Many"

Interested in learning more words like this one? Our team at Vocabulary.com has got you covered! You can review flashcards, quiz yourself, practice spelling, and more – and it's all completely free to use!

"One Crazy Summer" by Rita Williams-Garcia, List 1

Want to remember this word for good? Start your learning journey today with our library of interactive, themed word lists built by the experts at Vocabulary.com – we'll help you make the most of your study time!