Embarrassing
ɪmˈbærəsɪŋ
Definitions
Causing or tending to cause feelings of awkwardness, self-consciousness, or shame.
ɪmˈbærəsɪŋ
Causing feelings of self-consciousness or awkwardness.
Her loud singing at the karaoke bar was embarrassing.
💡 Simply: When something happens that makes you feel awkward, like tripping in front of everyone or saying the wrong thing. Think of it like a 'red face' moment.
👶 For kids: Making you feel silly or uncomfortable.
More Examples
It was an embarrassing situation when he forgot her name.
The comedian's jokes were often too embarrassing.
How It's Used
"He told an embarrassing story about his childhood."
"The unexpected silence was an embarrassing moment for her."
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
Antonyms
Idioms & expressions
make an embarrassing mistake
To do something wrong that causes one to feel awkward.
"He made an embarrassing mistake during the presentation."
lose face
To experience shame or embarrassment; to suffer a loss of reputation or prestige.
"He didn't want to lose face in front of his colleagues, so he agreed with the plan."
From Middle English 'embarassen', from Old French 'embarrasser' meaning 'to impede, obstruct', possibly from 'barre' meaning 'bar' or 'barrier'.
The word 'embarrass' and its derivatives have been used since the late 16th century to describe situations of obstruction or difficulty, later evolving to focus on emotional discomfort.
Memory tip
Imagine a 'bar' across your face; feeling ashamed.
Word Origin
"to obstruct, impede"