embarrassment
Americannoun
-
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.
Wilcox moved into his current position in June last year, taking over the main role held by Dan Ashworth, who lasted just five months at the club in an early embarrassment for the new regime.
From Barron's
The first man reported the allegations to the police but the second and third men affected had not reported theirs "because of their embarrassment", the panel heard.
From BBC
Relatives in Afghanistan have hosted the family, but he said he felt a sense of "embarrassment" for overstaying their welcome.
From Barron's
What I'm angry about isn't Wolves winning, it's the embarrassment of this collapse.
From BBC
He’s increasingly befuddled, an embarrassment to her, eventually a danger to himself.
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
