C1noun2K

Embarrassment

UK /["/ɪmˈbærəsmənt/"]/US /["/ɪmˈbærəsmənt/"]/

Definition

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

In simple words: A feeling of shame or awkwardness.

Examples

  • 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.

Usage notes

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!

Collocations

  • 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

  • shame
  • awkwardness
  • self-consciousness
  • discomfort

Antonyms

  • pride
  • confidence

Common mistakes

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