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.

Rohl's exit is slightly embarrassing for Cavenagh as he's gone out on a limb to defend the manager in the face of criticism from fans.

From BBC • Jun. 17, 2026

Although they admit the fall itself was embarrassing, D’Arcy says going through recovery on set “was kind of a beautiful timeline” because people would notice their progress.

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 17, 2026

“It is an embarrassing state of affairs for the greatest city in America.”

From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 13, 2026

Heteropessimism exists alongside heterosexuality not because being straight is terrible or embarrassing or out of fashion, but because it is, first and foremost, an institution — one that in many places remains dangerous to spurn.

From Salon • Jun. 3, 2026

But now that he’s assistant coach, she’s all by herself, and it’s much more noticeable and much more embarrassing.

From "A High Five for Glenn Burke" by Phil Bildner

Vocabulary lists containing embarrassing

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