Words / A2

im-BAR-uh-sing/ɪmˈbærəsɪŋ/

Embarrassing describes the thing that makes you feel awkward: an embarrassing question, how embarrassing, an embarrassing mistake. Embarrassed is the feeling. Funny can overlap if you laugh later. Humiliating is stronger and crueller. Do not say “I am embarrassing” unless you mean you cause others that feeling.

Meaning

Making you feel shy or ashamed.

Examples

• “It was an embarrassing mistake in front of the class.”
• “It is embarrassing to forget a guest’s name.”
• “She told an embarrassing story about her first day at work.”

Good to know

an embarrassing moment. Feeling: embarrassed. Stronger: humiliating. Not “I am embarrassing” for your own feeling.

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