C1noun 2K

Embarrassment

🇬🇧 UK /["/ɪmˈbærəsmənt/"]/ 🇺🇸 US /["/ɪmˈbærəsmənt/"]/

Meaning of Embarrassment

shy, uncomfortable or guilty feelings; a feeling of being embarrassed

In simple words: A feeling of shame or awkwardness.

Embarrassment in a sentence

• She felt a deep embarrassment after forgetting her lines on stage.
• His embarrassment was obvious when he realized he had been talking with food on his face.
• The embarrassment of losing the important documents caused him to delay the meeting.
• Financial embarrassment can severely impact a person's quality of life.
• There was an embarrassment of choices at the buffet, making it hard to decide what to eat.
• She experienced embarrassment when her phone rang loudly during the quiet ceremony.
• After the embarrassing mistake, he quickly left the room to hide his embarrassment.

How to use Embarrassment

Use 'embarrassment' in situations where someone feels uncomfortable or ashamed. Avoid using it in casual conversations with friends; it may sound too formal.

Grammar pattern

standalone noun

Memory hint

Think of 'embrace' and 'squirm' — when you feel embarrassed, you might want to squirm away!

Related words

Collocations with Embarrassment

• acute
• considerable
• great
• feel
• suffer
• cover
• in embarrassment
• with embarrassment
• without embarrassment
• (much) to somebody’s embarrassment
• feelings of embarrassment
• a flush of embarrassment
• great
• huge
• major
• be
• become
• prove
• embarrassment for
• embarrassment to
• great
• huge
• major
• be
• become
• prove
• embarrassment for
• embarrassment to

Synonyms for Embarrassment

• shame
• awkwardness
• self-consciousness
• discomfort

Opposites of Embarrassment

• pride
• confidence

Common mistakes with Embarrassment

• Mixing up with 'embarrass' (verb form).
• Using it when 'shame' is a better fit.
• Confusing it with 'discomfort' in less intense situations.

Frequently asked questions about Embarrassment

What does Embarrassment mean?

A feeling of shame or awkwardness.

What is the definition of Embarrassment?

shy, uncomfortable or guilty feelings; a feeling of being embarrassed

How do you use Embarrassment in a sentence?

She felt a deep embarrassment after forgetting her lines on stage.

Can you give another example of Embarrassment?

His embarrassment was obvious when he realized he had been talking with food on his face.

What are synonyms for Embarrassment?

Common alternatives include shame, awkwardness, self-consciousness, discomfort.

What is the opposite of Embarrassment?

Opposite meanings include pride, confidence.

What words go with Embarrassment?

It commonly pairs with acute, considerable, great, feel, suffer, cover, in embarrassment, with embarrassment, without embarrassment, (much) to somebody’s embarrassment, feelings of embarrassment, a flush of embarrassment, great, huge, major, be, become, prove, embarrassment for, embarrassment to, great, huge, major, be, become, prove, embarrassment for, embarrassment to.

What are common mistakes when using Embarrassment?

Mixing up with 'embarrass' (verb form). Using it when 'shame' is a better fit. Confusing it with 'discomfort' in less intense situations.

How do you pronounce Embarrassment?

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

When should I use Embarrassment?

Use 'embarrassment' in situations where someone feels uncomfortable or ashamed. Avoid using it in casual conversations with friends; it may sound too formal.

What CEFR level is Embarrassment?

"Embarrassment" is at C1 level on the CEFR scale.