embarrassment

American

[em-bar-uhs-muhnt] / ɛmˈbær əs mənt /

noun

the state of being embarrassed; disconcertment; abashment.

Synonyms:

discomposure
an act or instance of embarrassing.
something that embarrasses.
an overwhelmingly excessive amount; overabundance.

an embarrassment of riches.
the state of being in financial difficulties.
Medicine/Medical. impairment of functioning associated with disease.

respiratory embarrassment.

Related Words

See shame.

Other Word Forms

preembarrassment noun

Etymology

Origin of embarrassment

From the French word embarrassement, dating back to 1670–80. See embarrass, -ment

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.

Indian strategic affairs expert Brahma Chellaney wrote on X that the US torpedoing of the Iranian warship in India's "maritime neighbourhood" was "more than a battlefield episode" - calling it a "strategic embarrassment" for Delhi.

From BBC

Actor Michael Sheen has said his daughter has started acting "like she's my agent" by loudly announcing his name in public - much to his embarrassment.

From BBC

The problem with writers putting their cute kids in books is not the harm done to the families but the embarrassment suffered by the reader.

From The Wall Street Journal

The group were captured immediately, leading to international embarrassment for the U.S. and for the young president, who took responsibility in public and, behind closed doors, vowed to never trust the CIA again.

From Salon

I don’t know what she’s talking about, and I’m filled with the feeling that has become familiar in my encounters with her: embarrassment.

From Literature

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023