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Embarrassing Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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embarrassing

[ɪmˈbɛrəsɪŋ ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Adjective

feeling

Causing someone to feel awkward, self-conscious, or ashamed.

Synonyms

awkward, humiliating, uncomfortable.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
embarrassing

Used when referring to situations that cause a feeling of self-consciousness and may make someone blush. It often involves minor social mistakes or awkward moments.

  • It was embarrassing when I tripped in front of everyone
  • Forgetting someone's name in the middle of a conversation can be very embarrassing
awkward

Applied to situations that feel uneasily strange or cause discomfort, often due to social clumsiness or lack of coordination. It can also describe physical discomfort.

  • There was an awkward silence after he told the joke that no one understood
  • The meeting became awkward when no one wanted to speak first
uncomfortable

Refers to situations or physical states that cause slight unease or physical discomfort. This term can describe social interactions, physical sensations, or environments.

  • I felt uncomfortable sitting on that hard chair for so long
  • The conversation about salary made her very uncomfortable
humiliating

Used when a situation causes someone to feel a deep sense of shame or loss of dignity. It often involves actions that degrade someone's self-respect. This word has a negative overtone.

  • It was humiliating when he was scolded in front of his colleagues
  • Losing the game in such a manner was utterly humiliating

Examples of usage

  • It was embarrassing when he tripped and fell in front of everyone.
  • She felt embarrassing showing up late to the meeting.
  • I found it embarrassing to ask for help.
Context #2 | Adjective

situation

Characterized by causing embarrassment.

Synonyms

awkward, humiliating, uncomfortable.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
embarrassing

Use this word when describing situations that cause someone to feel awkward or self-conscious, often because they are worried about what others think. It can be used for both minor and significant situations.

  • Forgetting my lines during the presentation was so embarrassing.
  • Spilling coffee on my shirt during the meeting was embarrassing.
awkward

This word is best used when describing situations that are difficult or uncomfortable because they are hard to handle or because the social atmosphere is tense. Awkward often implies a lack of grace or ease.

  • The conversation with my ex at the party was really awkward.
  • There was an awkward silence after he told that joke.
uncomfortable

This word is suitable for situations that cause physical or emotional unease. It can describe both minor annoyances and significant distress.

  • The chair was so uncomfortable that I couldn't sit for long.
  • Talking about money always makes me feel uncomfortable.
humiliating

Use this word for situations that cause someone to feel deep shame or disgrace, often because they are demeaned or looked down upon by others. It has a strong negative connotation.

  • Being scolded by the boss in front of everyone was humiliating.
  • Losing the game because of my mistake was a humiliating experience.

Examples of usage

  • It was an embarrassing situation for everyone involved.
  • The embarrassing mistake was quickly corrected.
  • She tried to make light of the embarrassing situation.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Origin of 'embarrassing'

The word 'embarrassing' originated from the French word 'embarrasser', which means 'to block' or 'to obstruct'. The English term evolved in the 17th century to mean causing someone to feel self-conscious or ashamed. Over time, 'embarrassing' has become commonly used to describe situations or actions that lead to feelings of discomfort or awkwardness.

See also: embarrass, embarrassed, embarrassedly, embarrassingly, embarrassment.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranked #10,530, this word falls into high-advanced vocabulary. It appears less frequently but is valuable for expressing precise meanings in specific contexts.