B1adjective2K

UK/["/ɪmˈbærəsɪŋ/"]/US/["/ɪmˈbærəsɪŋ/"]/

Meaning of Embarrassing

making you feel shy, uncomfortable or ashamed

In simple words: Something that makes you feel ashamed or awkward.

Embarrassing in a sentence

  • It was so embarrassing when I tripped in front of everyone at the party.
  • She felt embarrassing to ask for help in her difficult class.
  • For him, forgetting his lines during the play was the most embarrassing moment of his life.
  • He found it embarrassing to admit that he was wrong.
  • The embarrassing photos from the vacation still make her cringe even years later.

How to use Embarrassing

Use 'embarrassing' for situations that cause discomfort. It's neutral but can feel more formal than 'awkward'. Avoid in serious contexts where shame isn't implied.

Grammar pattern

embarrassing + noun

Memory hint

Think of 'embarrass' as 'bare' — you feel exposed or bare when embarrassed.

Related words

Synonyms for Embarrassing

Opposites of Embarrassing

Common mistakes with Embarrassing

  • Confused with 'embarrassed' (the feeling) instead of 'embarrassing' (the situation).
  • Using 'embarrassing' without a noun (it usually describes a situation).
  • Overusing in casual conversations instead of lighter words like 'awkward'.

Compare Embarrassing with Awkward, Uncomfortable

Embarrassing appears in

Embarrassing in other languages

More words like Embarrassing

People also search for

  • Embarrassing meaning
  • meaning of Embarrassing
  • Embarrassing definition
  • define Embarrassing
  • what does Embarrassing mean
  • Embarrassing means
  • how to use Embarrassing

Frequently asked questions about Embarrassing

What does Embarrassing mean?

Something that makes you feel ashamed or awkward.

What is the definition of Embarrassing?

making you feel shy, uncomfortable or ashamed

How do you use Embarrassing in a sentence?

It was so embarrassing when I tripped in front of everyone at the party.

Can you give another example of Embarrassing?

She felt embarrassing to ask for help in her difficult class.

What are synonyms for Embarrassing?

Common alternatives include awkward, humiliating, shameful, uncomfortable, cringeworthy.

What is the opposite of Embarrassing?

Opposite meanings include confident, unembarrassed.

What words go with Embarrassing?

It commonly pairs with be, prove, sound, extremely, fairly, very, for, to, be, prove, sound, extremely, fairly, very, for, to.

What are common mistakes when using Embarrassing?

Confused with 'embarrassed' (the feeling) instead of 'embarrassing' (the situation). Using 'embarrassing' without a noun (it usually describes a situation). Overusing in casual conversations instead of lighter words like 'awkward'.

How do you pronounce Embarrassing?

US: /["/ɪmˈbærəsɪŋ/"]/, UK: /["/ɪmˈbærəsɪŋ/"]/. Listen to the audio above to hear native pronunciation.

When should I use Embarrassing?

Use 'embarrassing' for situations that cause discomfort. It's neutral but can feel more formal than 'awkward'. Avoid in serious contexts where shame isn't implied.

What CEFR level is Embarrassing?

"Embarrassing" is at B1 level on the CEFR scale.