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
Dinner was quite different to anything Bob's wife had ever experienced, and if the afternoon had been embarrassing to her the evening was a trial.
From The Auction Block by Rex Ellingwood Beach
The Duchess-mother's remarks had been embarrassing and painful; each word as a finger of scorn pointed at that disgraceful bargain with Würben, at the recollection whereof Wilhelmine winced.
From A German Pompadour Being the Extraordinary History of Wilhelmine van Grävenitz, Landhofmeisterin of Wirtemberg by Hon. Agnes Blanche Marie Hay
