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embarrassing

v.
B1 Intermediate Oxford US //ɪmˈbɛɹəsɪŋ// UK //ɛmbˈæɹəsɪŋ// em·bar·rass·ing General-service

v. making you feel shy, uncomfortable, or ashamed in front of other people. You use this to describe a situation where you worry about what others think of you.

v. causing a feeling of self-conscious distress, shame, or awkwardness. Typically used to describe social situations, personal mistakes, or public failures.


SIMPLE

It was so embarrassing when I forgot my boss's name.

CONTEXTUAL

The politician suffered an embarrassing moment when he realized his microphone was still turned on.

COMPLEX

While minor social slips are common, an embarrassing failure in a professional setting can have lasting consequences for one's reputation and confidence.

Synonyms
Origin

By surface analysis, embarrass + -ing.

Usage

Commonly used with 'it is' or 'how' to describe a situation; often confused with 'embarrassed', which describes the person's feeling.

Pitfall

I am very embarrassing.I am very embarrassed.Use 'embarrassing' for the situation that causes the feeling, and 'embarrassed' for the person who feels it.

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