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Embarrassment: meaning, definitions and examples

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embarrassment

 

[ ɪmˈbær.əs.mənt ]

Noun
Context #1 | Noun

feeling

Embarrassment is the feeling of self-consciousness, shame, or awkwardness when something goes wrong or doesn't go as planned.

Synonyms

awkwardness, humiliation, shame

Examples of usage

  • I could feel my face turning red with embarrassment.
  • She tried to hide her embarrassment by laughing it off.
  • He felt a wave of embarrassment wash over him as he realized his mistake.
Context #2 | Noun

event

Embarrassment can also refer to a situation, action, or event that causes someone to feel self-conscious or uncomfortable.

Synonyms

awkwardness, humiliation, shame

Examples of usage

  • The speech was full of awkward moments that led to widespread embarrassment.
  • The prank backfired, causing embarrassment for everyone involved.

Translations

Translations of the word "embarrassment" in other languages:

🇵🇹 vergonha

🇮🇳 शर्मिंदगी (sharmindagi)

🇩🇪 Verlegenheit

🇮🇩 malu

🇺🇦 збентеження

🇵🇱 zakłopotanie

🇯🇵 恥ずかしさ (hazukashisa)

🇫🇷 embarras

🇪🇸 vergüenza

🇹🇷 utanç

🇰🇷 당황 (danghwang)

🇸🇦 إحراج (iḥrāj)

🇨🇿 rozpaky

🇸🇰 rozpaky

🇨🇳 尴尬 (gāngà)

🇸🇮 zadrega

🇮🇸 skömm

🇰🇿 ұялу (uyalu)

🇬🇪 შერცხვენა (shertsv'ena)

🇦🇿 utancaq

🇲🇽 vergüenza

Etymology

The word 'embarrassment' originated from the French word 'embarrasser', meaning 'to block' or 'obstruct'. It first appeared in English in the mid-17th century, with the sense of 'perplex' or 'hamper'. Over time, the meaning shifted to include the idea of feeling self-conscious or uncomfortable in social situations.

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

Word Frequency Rank

Position #8,368 indicates this is an advanced-level word. While not essential for basic communication, it will enhance your ability to understand and create more nuanced content.