embarrassment

B2 · Upper Intermediate Countable noun

n. a person or thing that makes someone else feel ashamed.

n. a person, object, or event that serves as a source of public humiliation for an associated party.

“The messy garden was a real embarrassment to the whole family.”

“The scandal proved to be a major embarrassment for the administration, forcing several high-ranking officials to issue public apologies.”

C1 · Advanced Countable noun Formal

n. having so many good things or choices that it is actually difficult to pick one.

n. an overabundance or excessive supply of something desirable, often leading to difficulty in selection; usually in the phrase 'an embarrassment of riches'.

“With five job offers to choose from, she had an embarrassment of riches.”

“The director faced an embarrassment of riches during the casting process, as nearly every auditioning actor was perfectly suited for the lead role.”

C2 · Proficiency Uncountable noun Medicine Technical

n. a medical problem where a part of the body cannot work properly, especially with breathing.

n. the impairment or restriction of a physiological function, most commonly used in the context of respiratory or cardiac distress.

“The patient was rushed to the hospital showing signs of respiratory embarrassment.”

“The clinical report noted significant respiratory embarrassment, likely exacerbated by the patient's underlying chronic condition and the high altitude.”

C2 · Proficiency Countable noun Humorous

n. the special name for a group of pandas.

n. the collective noun specifically designated for a group of pandas.

“We were lucky enough to see an embarrassment of pandas at the zoo.”

“While 'group' is sufficient for most, the guide informed us that the correct collective term for these bears is an embarrassment of pandas.”