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
Synonyms
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
The embarrassment of midfield riches could, for some, soften the blow of using Ampadu as Struijk’s long-term stand-in.
—
Beren Cross, The Athletic, 19 Jan. 2025
But on the way out, there was one final embarrassment: a $60 million fine by the NFL against the old owner following the release of an independent investigation, which found workplace misconduct and financial improprieties while Snyder owned the team.
—Kyle Feldscher, CNN, 18 Jan. 2025
As the moment gained more views, TikTok users flooded the comments with their reactions, with many expressing intense secondhand embarrassment.
—Yaakov Katz, Newsweek, 17 Jan. 2025
With about seven minutes left in the game, Bouchard atoned for his embarrassment by MacKinnon earlier in the night by burying his slap shot in the top left shelf.
—Kyle Newman, The Denver Post, 17 Jan. 2025
See all Example Sentences for embarrassment 
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Beren Cross, The Athletic, 19 Jan. 2025
But on the way out, there was one final embarrassment: a $60 million fine by the NFL against the old owner following the release of an independent investigation, which found workplace misconduct and financial improprieties while Snyder owned the team.
—Kyle Feldscher, CNN, 18 Jan. 2025
As the moment gained more views, TikTok users flooded the comments with their reactions, with many expressing intense secondhand embarrassment.
—Yaakov Katz, Newsweek, 17 Jan. 2025
With about seven minutes left in the game, Bouchard atoned for his embarrassment by MacKinnon earlier in the night by burying his slap shot in the top left shelf.
—Kyle Newman, The Denver Post, 17 Jan. 2025
See all Example Sentences for embarrassment
Dictionary Entries Near embarrassment
Cite this Entry
“Embarrassment.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/embarrassment. Accessed 24 Jan. 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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