Embarrassment: meaning, definitions and examples

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embarrassment

[ ɪmˈbær.əs.mənt ]

^{Context #1}

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}

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

Word origin

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.