adjective
embarrassed
Feeling self-conscious or uncomfortable about a social situation.
She feels embarrassed when she forgets her coworker's name during introductions.
Etymology
French embarrasser meant to obstruct or put someone in difficulty. The emotional sense internalizes that predicament as feeling socially awkward or at a loss.
More examples
- I'm too embarrassed to ask people to repeat their names.
- He gives an embarrassed smile after waving at a stranger.
- She looks embarrassed when her friends praise her in public.
Forms
embarrassed · more embarrassed · most embarrassed
embarrass verb — To make someone feel socially uncomfortable.
embarrassment noun — A feeling of self-consciousness or social discomfort.