adjective
embarrassing
Causing social discomfort or self-consciousness.
Forgetting my neighbor's name makes this conversation even more embarrassing.
Etymology
The source verb meant to obstruct or cause difficulty. An embarrassing situation creates a social version of that difficulty, making someone feel awkward or self-conscious.
More examples
- My dad tells embarrassing stories about my childhood.
- An embarrassing silence follows my joke.
- It's embarrassing to realize you've been calling someone the wrong name.
Forms
embarrassing
embarrassment noun — A feeling of social discomfort or self-consciousness.
Similar words
- awkward
- Emphasizes social unease without necessarily making anyone feel exposed.
- humiliating
- Suggests a stronger injury to someone's dignity or pride.