Mortifying: meaning, definitions and examples

Used in situations where an experience or action is extremely embarrassing or causes overwhelming shame. It often implies a deeper or more intense feeling than just embarrassment.

• It was mortifying to trip and spill coffee all over my boss during the presentation.
• She found it mortifying when her old diary was read out loud in front of the entire class.

Appropriate for general situations where something causes a person to feel awkward, uncomfortable, or self-conscious. It is less intense than 'mortifying' or 'humiliating'.

• It was embarrassing when he realized his zipper was down during the meeting.
• Forgetting her lines on stage was an embarrassing moment for the actress.

Best used when an experience deeply hurts someone's dignity or pride, often with a sense of degradation or loss of respect. It can have a negative connotation.

• Being scolded in front of his peers was a humiliating experience.
• It was humiliating for him to admit his mistake in front of everyone.

Applied to actions or behaviors that are morally wrong or disgraceful. It often involves a sense of guilt and dishonor.

• Lying to his friends about his achievements was a shameful act.
• Cheating on the exam was a shameful thing to do.

Use this word when describing a situation that causes extreme shame or humiliation.

• Being caught in a lie can be mortifying

This word is best for describing situations that feel uncomfortable or in which you don't know how to act.

• There was an awkward silence after she asked him a personal question

This word fits situations that make you feel so uncomfortable or embarrassed that you physically cringe.

• The way he tried to flirt with his boss was cringeworthy

Ideal for describing situations where you feel shy, uncomfortable, or foolish.

• Tripping over your own feet in front of a crowd is pretty embarrassing