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Embarrassment Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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embarrassment

[ษชmหˆbรฆr.ษ™s.mษ™nt ]

Definitions

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.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
embarrassment

This word is used when someone feels uncomfortable or self-conscious because they have made a mistake or something has gone wrong.

  • She felt deep embarrassment when she tripped on stage.
  • His face turned red with embarrassment after he forgot his lines.
shame

Shame is used to describe a strong feeling of guilt or disgrace, often related to one's morals or perceived failure.

  • She felt a deep sense of shame after lying to her parents.
  • He couldn't shake off the shame of his past mistakes.
humiliation

This word carries a very negative connotation and is used when someone feels extreme shame, often publicly, due to being embarrassed in a degrading way.

  • He felt profound humiliation after being ridiculed by his peers.
  • The public scolding brought a sense of humiliation that took years to overcome.
awkwardness

This word is appropriate for situations that feel uncomfortable or uneasy, often due to social interactions or unclear expectations.

  • There was a moment of awkwardness when they both reached for the same handshake.
  • Her attempts to break the silence only added to the awkwardness of the situation.

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.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
embarrassment

Used when someone feels uncomfortable or ashamed about something, often in social situations.

  • She felt a wave of embarrassment when everyone started laughing at her mistake.
  • The sudden fall caused him great embarrassment.
humiliation

Used when someone feels extremely ashamed, often because they have been degraded or insulted. Usually carries a more intense and negative connotation than 'embarrassment'.

  • Her public scolding caused him deep humiliation.
  • The failure was a humiliation she never wanted to experience again.
awkwardness

Used to describe a situation that feels uncomfortable or uneasy, often due to social or situational clumsiness.

  • There was an awkwardness in the air when they both showed up at the party wearing the same outfit.
  • His awkwardness around new people made it difficult for him at social gatherings.
shame

Used to describe a strong feeling of guilt or regret, often related to a moral or ethical failing. It can be both internal and caused by external judgment.

  • He felt a sense of shame about cheating on the test.
  • The scandal brought shame to the entire family.

Examples of usage

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

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Psychology

  • Embarrassment is often seen as a social emotion, helping people navigate complex social situations and maintain group harmony.
  • Research shows that embarrassment can make individuals more relatable; it demonstrates vulnerability, which helps foster social connections.
  • The physiological response to embarrassment, such as blushing, can signal trustworthiness to others in a social group.

Pop Culture

  • Comedians often use embarrassing stories from their own lives as material, as these anecdotes resonate with audiences and evoke laughter.
  • In film and television, scenes involving embarrassment, like someone slipping on a banana peel, are often used for humor and emotional relatability.
  • Reality shows frequently exploit embarrassing moments for drama and entertainment, showcasing how people react in uncomfortable situations.

Cultural Perspectives

  • Different cultures have varying reactions to embarrassment; in some societies, it might be viewed as a major social faux pas, while in others, it's seen as an interesting story.
  • In Japan, the concept of 'shame' (or 'haji') tied with embarrassment can have deeper societal implications and influence behavior significantly.
  • In Western cultures, feeling embarrassed is often viewed as a sign of humility or self-awareness, while in some tribal cultures, it might be minimized or laughed off completely.

Literature

  • Many literary works explore the theme of embarrassment to highlight character development, often revealing deeper truths about human nature.
  • Authors like Jane Austen frequently depict social faux pas, illustrating how misunderstandings and awkward moments drive narratives.
  • In modern literature, characters often experience embarrassment as a rite of passage, marking their growth and shifting relationships.

Origin of 'embarrassment'

Main points about word origin

  • The word originated from the French 'embarrasser', meaning to obstruct or hinder, which adds a sense of feeling stuck or trapped in a situation.
  • Its Latin roots trace back to 'barra', meaning a barrier, which is fitting as embarrassment often feels like a social barrier.
  • The term began to be used in English around the 17th century, acquiring its modern emotional context over time.

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.