Definitions

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.

“ATHEX always looked a well-timed deal, but it is now turning into an embarrassment of riches,” Mills says.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 21, 2026

Despite his public embarrassment and supposed fall-off, he’s still the most-streamed rapper on Earth.

From Salon • May 21, 2026

Ferguson's friendships with men have long been a source of embarrassment and controversy.

From BBC • May 20, 2026

This would be a near-certain embarrassment for a man who achieved something incredible - taking Labour from near oblivion back into power in four years.

From BBC • May 16, 2026

From this embarrassment of riches, Francesco manages to pick a painter who’s sick of painting.

From "The Mona Lisa Vanishes" by Nicholas Day

Vocabulary lists containing embarrassment

Emotions on Display

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Much Ado: Synonyms for "Many"

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

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