embarrassment

em-bar-rass-ment · noun

imported

Definitions

noun

  1. 1.

    A feeling of self-consciousness, shame, or awkwardness.

  2. 2.

    A person or thing causing feelings of shame or awkwardness.

  3. 3.

    A difficulty or problem, especially one involving shortage of money.

  4. 4.

    An excessive amount of something.

Forms

plural: embarrassments

Phrases & expressions

  • •
    embarrassment of riches — having too many good options to choose from
  • •
    to one's embarrassment — causing shame to someone
  • •
    save someone embarrassment — to prevent someone from feeling ashamed
  • •
    die of embarrassment — (hyperbole) to feel extremely embarrassed

Related words

Antonyms: composure, confidence, pride
See also: embarrass, embarrassed, embarrassing, humiliation, shame
Synonyms: awkwardness, discomfort, humiliation, mortification, shame

Etymology

From French embarrassement, from embarrasser ("to obstruct, perplex"). The word entered English in the 17th century, originally meaning "obstruction" or "impediment," with the emotional sense developing later.