Emotions / A2

im-BAR-uh-st/ɪmˈbærəst/

Embarrassed is how you feel when something awkward happens: feel embarrassed, embarrassed about, too embarrassed to speak. Embarrassing describes the situation. Ashamed is stronger, often about doing wrong. Shy is a longer-term personality. British spelling has two r’s and two s’s: embarrassed.

Meaning

Feeling shy or ashamed because of something silly or private.

Examples

• “He felt embarrassed when he forgot her name.”
• “I was embarrassed when my stomach made a noise in the exam.”
• “He looked embarrassed and changed the subject.”

Good to know

feel embarrassed about. Situation: embarrassing. Stronger: ashamed. Spelling: two r’s, two s’s.

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