embarrassment

[em-bar-uhs-muhnt]

noun

1. the state of being embarrassed; disconcertment; abashment.

   Synonyms: discomposure

2. an act or instance of embarrassing.

3. something that embarrasses.

4. an overwhelmingly excessive amount; overabundance.

   an embarrassment of riches.

5. the state of being in financial difficulties.

6. Medicine/Medical.,  impairment of functioning associated with disease.

   respiratory embarrassment.

Other Word Forms

• preembarrassment noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of embarrassment¹

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

Synonym Study

See shame.

Example Sentences

Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez called the protests a source of "pride", but opposition politicians said government actions had caused international embarrassment.

From BBC

And all the letter writers that wrote telling him to give it up to avoid future “embarrassment“ can give it the first polish.

From Los Angeles Times

And as they absorb the scale of the embarrassment over Mandelson's friendship with Epstein, new details over who knew what - and when - are emerging all the time.

From BBC

“We deeply regret our actions today and the embarrassment that it caused,” the district later said.

From Salon

Their affiliation with the foundation ultimately became institutional embarrassments.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• chagrin 
• confusion 
• difficulty 
• dilemma 
• mess 
• mistake 
• unease