embarrass
verb (used with object)
to cause confusion and shame to; make uncomfortably self-conscious; disconcert; abash.
had been embarrassing
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past perfect progressiveof embarrass.past perfect progressive
Used to describe an action that was ongoing continuously in the past up until another past event interrupted it.
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.
Tan Dhesi, Labour MP and chair of the defence committee, suggested the UK's response had been "embarrassing".
From BBC ● Mar. 23, 2026
The lack of attendance had been embarrassing in recent years.
From Washington Times ● Sep. 30, 2014
Even so, as Bush told Panamanian President Guillermo Endara at the White House last week, the delay had been "embarrassing."
From Time Magazine Archive
Psmith had yielded up the key, but his inquiries as to why it was needed had been embarrassing.
From Mike and Psmith by P. G. (Pelham Grenville) Wodehouse
If it had been embarrassing for him to hear it, what must it have cost such a girl as Maud Elliott to say it!
From A Love Story Reversed 1898 by Edward Bellamy
