English · Word Candidate

embarrassment

/ɪmˈbæɹ.əs.mənt/

Proposed by a contributor, not yet supported by evidence.

Also seen as: embarrassments

Sense 1

Meaning · English

A state of discomfort arising from bashfulness or consciousness of having violated a social rule; humiliation.

Noun

Examples

The desired effect [of affectionate teasing] is a look of pleasurable embarrassment, as if you administered a compliment. Anyone who doesn't stop teasing immediately upon producing real embarrassment, anger or tears is not really teasing.

Usage example from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01)

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).

Sense 2

Meaning · English

A person or thing which is the cause of humiliation to another.

Noun

Examples

Jack, you are an embarrassment to this family.

Usage example from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01)

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).

Common questions

What does “embarrassment” mean?

A state of discomfort arising from bashfulness or consciousness of having violated a social rule; humiliation.

Is “embarrassment” formal or informal?

No register label has been reviewed yet — treat it as neutral and check the usage notes above.

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