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Vocabulary
embarrassed

A1 noun #4,784 most common 12 min read

embarrassed

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Practice it Examples Notes & Tips embarrassed in 30 Seconds

Explanation embarrassed in your Level:

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Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

embarrassed in 30 Seconds

Feeling shy or uncomfortable due to a mistake or social situation.
Often happens when others are watching.
Commonly involves blushing or looking away.
A temporary, relatable human emotion.

Core Meaning: Feeling shy, uncomfortable, or ashamed because of something you did or something that happened.
Common Triggers: Making a mistake in front of others, saying the wrong thing, tripping or falling, being caught doing something silly, or when someone points out a personal flaw.
Physical Signs: Often accompanied by blushing, looking away, fidgeting, or stammering.
Social Aspect: It's a social emotion; it happens when you feel observed by others.

When I accidentally spilled my drink on the teacher's shoes, I felt very embarrassed.

People use 'embarrassed' to describe that uncomfortable feeling when they believe they've done something that others might find awkward or foolish. For instance, if you forget someone's name right after they told you, you might feel embarrassed. If you're giving a presentation and your mind goes blank, that moment can make you feel intensely embarrassed. It’s a common human emotion that arises from social interactions and the awareness of how we are perceived by others. Even small things, like wearing mismatched socks and then noticing, can lead to a feeling of embarrassment. It's important to remember that everyone experiences this feeling at some point, and it's usually a temporary and harmless emotion. The intensity of embarrassment can vary greatly depending on the situation and the individual's personality. Some people are more prone to feeling embarrassed than others. It’s a signal that we are aware of social norms and expectations. For example, a child might feel embarrassed if they accidentally shout in a quiet library. An adult might feel embarrassed if they are late for an important meeting and walk in noisily. The feeling often involves a desire to hide or to make the situation less noticeable. The word itself comes from the Latin 'barbarus', meaning 'foreign' or 'strange', suggesting a sense of being out of place or awkward. In essence, being embarrassed means you feel a social awkwardness or shame, often due to a mistake or a clumsy action that draws attention. It's a feeling that many people can relate to, as it's a part of navigating social situations and understanding social cues. The more public the mistake or the more people watching, the more intense the embarrassment might be. It's distinct from deep shame, which is more about a fundamental flaw, whereas embarrassment is usually about a specific incident. The context is crucial: what might embarrass one person might not faze another. This is because cultural norms and personal experiences shape our sensitivity to social judgment. For example, in some cultures, public displays of emotion are more acceptable, leading to less embarrassment. In contrast, in cultures that value reserve, even minor social slips can cause significant embarrassment. The feeling can also be amplified by the reactions of others. If people laugh or stare, the embarrassment intensifies. Conversely, if people are understanding or ignore the mistake, the feeling might be quickly resolved. Learning to manage embarrassment is a key aspect of social development. It involves acknowledging the feeling, perhaps learning from the mistake, and moving on without dwelling on it. It's a natural part of being human and interacting with the world around us. The key is to recognize that most people are not focusing on your minor slip-ups as much as you might think they are.

I was so embarrassed when I realized I had been talking to myself in public.

The student felt embarrassed after forgetting his lines during the school play.

Basic Structure: Subject + feel/get/become + embarrassed.
With a cause (preposition 'by' or 'when'): Subject + feel/get/become + embarrassed + by/when + [noun/clause].
Describing someone else: It made [someone] feel embarrassed. / [Someone] looked embarrassed.

I felt embarrassed when I tripped on the stairs.

Using 'embarrassed' correctly involves understanding its grammatical function, which is primarily as an adjective describing a state of feeling. The most common way to use it is with verbs like 'feel', 'get', or 'become'. For example, 'I feel embarrassed' is a straightforward statement. If you want to explain why you feel this way, you can use prepositions like 'by' or 'when'. 'I got embarrassed by the loud noise' explains the cause directly. 'She became very embarrassed when everyone started singing 'Happy Birthday' to her.' This structure is very common and clearly links the feeling to the event. You can also use 'embarrassed' to describe someone else's state. 'He looked embarrassed after he forgot his lines.' Here, 'embarrassed' describes his appearance and likely internal state. Sometimes, a situation can cause embarrassment. 'The situation made me feel embarrassed.' This passive construction is also valid. When describing a public event, the feeling can be amplified. 'The whole class laughed, and I felt extremely embarrassed.' The intensity can be modified with adverbs like 'very', 'extremely', 'a little', or 'quite'. For instance, 'He was only a little embarrassed, not deeply ashamed.' 'She felt quite embarrassed about her messy room.' In a classroom setting, a teacher might say, 'Don't be embarrassed if you make a mistake; it's part of learning.' This encourages students to overcome the feeling. The word 'embarrassed' is often used in narratives to show a character's emotional reaction to events. 'As the spotlight hit him, he felt a wave of embarrassment wash over him.' This is a more descriptive way of using the word. Remember that 'embarrassed' is an adjective, so it describes a noun (a person). It's not a verb that performs an action on someone else directly, although the situation or another person's actions can *cause* embarrassment. For example, you don't 'embarrass someone' directly with this adjective form; you would say 'He embarrassed me' if you wanted to convey that he made you feel embarrassed. The adjective form focuses on the internal feeling.

He looked embarrassed when he couldn't answer the question.

She felt embarrassed by the compliment.

Everyday Conversations: Friends discussing awkward moments, family members recounting funny incidents.
School/University Settings: Students talking about presentations, exams, or social mishaps.
Media (Movies, TV Shows, Books): Characters experiencing relatable awkward situations.
Workplace: Colleagues sharing light-hearted anecdotes about minor professional errors.

'Oh, I was so embarrassed when I forgot my boss's name at the party!'

The word 'embarrassed' is a very common adjective used in everyday spoken and written English. You'll hear it frequently in casual conversations among friends and family. For instance, someone might say, 'I was so embarrassed when I realized I was wearing my shirt inside out all day.' This is a typical scenario where the word fits perfectly. In educational settings, like schools or universities, students often use this word to describe experiences during presentations, exams, or social events. A student might confess, 'I felt really embarrassed when I stumbled over my words during my speech.' Teachers might also use it in a supportive way, saying, 'Don't be embarrassed if you don't understand; just ask for help.' In movies and television shows, characters often find themselves in situations that make them feel embarrassed, and the dialogue will reflect this. You might hear a character exclaim, 'I'm so embarrassed right now!' after a social blunder. Books also utilize 'embarrassed' to convey characters' feelings and reactions. A narrator might describe a character's experience: 'She felt a flush of embarrassment creep up her neck as the crowd pointed and laughed.' Even in professional environments, while perhaps less frequently than in personal settings, 'embarrassed' can be used. Colleagues might share a light-hearted story about a minor mistake, like 'I was a bit embarrassed when I accidentally sent the wrong file to the client, but they were understanding.' The context is usually one of mild, temporary discomfort rather than deep shame. It’s a word that helps describe relatable human experiences of social awkwardness. You'll also find it in blogs, social media posts, and personal essays where people share their everyday lives and feelings. For example, a blogger might write about a time they felt embarrassed trying to navigate a new city.

The character in the movie felt deeply embarrassed by his public mistake.

During the family dinner, my son felt embarrassed when he spilled his milk.

Confusing with 'Embarrass' (verb): Using 'embarrassed' when you mean the action of causing someone to feel embarrassed.
Misspelling: Common errors include omitting letters or adding incorrect ones.
Overuse or Underuse: Using it for situations that are too minor or too severe.
Confusing with Shame or Guilt: Embarrassment is usually temporary and situational, unlike deeper shame.

Incorrect: 'He embarrassed me by telling that story.' Correct: 'He embarrassed me by telling that story.' (using the verb 'embarrass') or 'I felt embarrassed when he told that story.' (using the adjective 'embarrassed').

A frequent mistake learners make is confusing the adjective 'embarrassed' with the verb 'to embarrass'. 'Embarrassed' describes how someone feels, while 'to embarrass' describes the action of causing that feeling in someone else. For example, saying 'I embarrassed when I fell' is incorrect. The correct sentence would be 'I felt embarrassed when I fell' (using the adjective) or 'My fall embarrassed me' (using the verb). Another common pitfall is misspelling the word. The spelling 'embarrassed' has double 'r' and double 's'. Errors like 'embarassed' or 'embarrased' are frequent. It's helpful to remember that 'embarrass' itself has double 'r' and double 's', and adding '-ed' doesn't change that. Some people might overuse the word 'embarrassed' for situations that are too trivial, or conversely, underuse it for genuinely awkward moments. For instance, saying 'I was embarrassed because the traffic light was red' is an exaggeration. It's also important to distinguish 'embarrassed' from deeper emotions like 'shame' or 'guilt'. Embarrassment is typically a fleeting social discomfort caused by a specific incident, like tripping in public. Shame or guilt often relates to a perceived moral failing or a more profound sense of wrongdoing. For example, forgetting your lines in a play might make you feel embarrassed. Cheating on a test might lead to feelings of guilt and shame.

Incorrect: 'The loud noise made me embarrassed.' Correct: 'The loud noise made me feel embarrassed.' or 'The loud noise was embarrassing.' (if describing the noise itself).

Remember to spell it with double 'r' and double 's': embarrassed.

Awkward: Similar, but can also describe a situation or person that is clumsy or difficult to deal with, not just a feeling of shyness.
Shy: More general feeling of nervousness or timidity around others, not necessarily tied to a specific mistake.
Self-conscious: Aware of oneself, especially in a way that causes discomfort or nervousness. Very close to embarrassed.
Ashamed: Stronger feeling of disgrace or guilt, often for something more serious than typical embarrassment.
Flustered: Agitated or confused, often due to being rushed or surprised, which can lead to embarrassment.

Instead of 'embarrassed', you could say 'I felt so awkward when I walked into the wrong room.'

When looking for words similar to 'embarrassed', it's important to consider the nuance of each word. 'Awkward' is a good alternative, especially when describing a situation or a feeling of social discomfort that isn't necessarily tied to a mistake. For example, 'I felt awkward at the party because I didn't know anyone.' 'Shy' is related but focuses more on a general disposition of nervousness around people, rather than a reaction to a specific event. Someone might be shy all the time, while they only feel embarrassed occasionally. 'Self-conscious' is very close to 'embarrassed' and often used interchangeably. It means being overly aware of oneself and how one appears to others. 'I became very self-conscious about my new haircut.' 'Ashamed' is a stronger and more serious emotion. It implies a sense of disgrace or guilt for something perceived as morally wrong or deeply flawed. If you cheat on an exam, you might feel ashamed, which is a deeper feeling than just being embarrassed about tripping. 'Flustered' describes a state of being agitated, confused, or disorganized, often due to pressure or surprise. This state can sometimes lead to embarrassment. For instance, 'She was flustered by the unexpected question and gave a muddled answer.' In informal contexts, people might use phrases like 'mortified' (though this is stronger, implying extreme embarrassment) or 'put on the spot' (which describes the situation causing the feeling). For A1 learners, 'awkward' and 'shy' are the most accessible alternatives to understand. As vocabulary grows, 'self-conscious' and 'ashamed' become important distinctions.

He felt ashamed of his actions.

She felt shy when meeting new people.

How Formal Is It?

Formal

Neutral

Informal

Child friendly

Slang

Fun Fact

The root 'bar' in 'embarrass' relates to the idea of a barrier or obstacle, suggesting a feeling of being hindered or stuck in a social situation. It's related to the Spanish word 'barrera' (barrier).

Pronunciation Guide

UK /ɪmˈbær.əst/

US /ɪmˈbær.əst/

Second syllable: em-BAR-assed

Rhymes With

biased hastened chastened baseless placeless faceless nameless traceless

Common Errors

Mispronouncing the vowel sound in the second syllable, making it too short or too long.
Incorrectly stressing the first syllable.
Pronouncing the final '-ed' as a separate syllable like 'ed' instead of 'ust'.

Difficulty Rating

Reading 2/5

The word 'embarrassed' is commonly used in everyday texts, making it relatively easy to understand in context for intermediate readers. Its meaning is intuitive and often accompanied by descriptive cues.

Writing 2/5

Using 'embarrassed' correctly in writing requires understanding its grammatical function as an adjective and its common collocations (e.g., 'feel embarrassed', 'embarrassed by'). Distinguishing it from the verb 'embarrass' is key.

Speaking 2/5

Pronouncing and using 'embarrassed' in spoken English is generally straightforward. Learners might initially struggle with the spelling and pronunciation, but its frequent use makes it easy to pick up in conversation.

Listening 2/5

Recognizing 'embarrassed' when spoken is usually easy due to its common usage and distinct sound. Context usually clarifies the meaning effectively.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

feel shy mistake look sorry

Learn Next

embarrassment embarrassing awkward self-conscious ashamed

Advanced

mortified abashed composure faux pas social anxiety

Grammar to Know

Using 'feel' + adjective

I feel happy. She feels tired. They feel embarrassed.

Using 'get' + adjective (informal)

He gets angry. I got embarrassed.

Using 'be' + adjective

He is tall. We are late. You are embarrassed.

Using 'when' clauses to explain cause

I felt embarrassed when I fell. She looked embarrassed when she heard the news.

Using 'by' or 'about' to show cause

He was embarrassed by the question. She felt embarrassed about her mistake.

Examples by Level

I felt embarrassed when I tripped.

I felt shy/uncomfortable when I fell down.

Past tense of 'feel' (felt) + adjective 'embarrassed'.

She looked embarrassed.

She seemed shy/uncomfortable.

Verb 'looked' + adjective 'embarrassed'.

He was embarrassed by his mistake.

He felt shy/uncomfortable because of his mistake.

Verb 'was' + adjective 'embarrassed' + preposition 'by'.

It was embarrassing to forget her name.

It was difficult/uncomfortable to forget her name.

It + was + adjective 'embarrassing' + infinitive clause.

I didn't want to be embarrassed.

I did not want to feel shy/uncomfortable.

Didn't want + to be + adjective 'embarrassed'.

The joke made me embarrassed.

The joke made me feel shy/uncomfortable.

Subject + made + object + adjective 'embarrassed'.

Are you embarrassed?

Do you feel shy/uncomfortable?

Question form: Are + subject + adjective 'embarrassed'?

We felt embarrassed for him.

We felt shy/uncomfortable for him.

Subject + felt + adjective 'embarrassed' + preposition 'for'.

I felt so embarrassed when I realized I had said the wrong thing.

I felt very shy/uncomfortable when I understood I had spoken incorrectly.

Adverb 'so' modifying adjective 'embarrassed'. Use of 'when' clause.

He tried not to look embarrassed, but his red face gave him away.

He attempted to not appear shy/uncomfortable, but his red face showed his feeling.

Verb 'tried' + infinitive 'not to look' + adjective 'embarrassed'.

It was embarrassing for the whole class when the teacher forgot the answer.

It was uncomfortable for everyone in the class when the teacher did not remember the answer.

'It was embarrassing for...' structure. Use of 'when' clause.

She felt embarrassed about her messy room.

She felt shy/uncomfortable about her untidy room.

'Felt embarrassed about...' is a common prepositional phrase.

Don't be embarrassed to ask questions; everyone learns differently.

Do not feel shy/uncomfortable to ask questions; all people learn in different ways.

Imperative 'Don't be' + adjective 'embarrassed' + infinitive 'to ask'.

The unexpected applause made him feel very embarrassed.

The sudden clapping made him feel very shy/uncomfortable.

'Made someone feel embarrassed' construction.

I'm often embarrassed when I have to speak in public.

I frequently feel shy/uncomfortable when I must talk in front of people.

Present tense 'am' + adverb 'often' + adjective 'embarrassed' + 'when' clause.

He tried to hide his embarrassed expression.

He attempted to conceal his shy/uncomfortable look.

Adjective 'embarrassed' modifying noun 'expression'.

I was thoroughly embarrassed when I realized I had forgotten my wallet at home.

I was completely ashamed/uncomfortable when I understood I had not brought my wallet from home.

Adverb 'thoroughly' modifying adjective 'embarrassed'. Use of 'when' clause with past perfect 'had forgotten'.

She felt a surge of embarrassment as the entire audience turned to stare at her.

She felt a rush of shyness/discomfort as all the people watching her looked at her.

'A surge of embarrassment' uses the noun form. 'As' clause indicates simultaneous action.

It's quite embarrassing to be caught in such a compromising situation.

It is rather uncomfortable to be found in such a difficult or awkward position.

Adverb 'quite' modifying adjective 'embarrassing'. Use of passive infinitive 'to be caught'.

He tried to play it cool, but his embarrassed smile betrayed him.

He attempted to act relaxed, but his shy/uncomfortable smile revealed his true feelings.

Adjective 'embarrassed' modifying noun 'smile'.

The teacher's unintentionally rude comment left the student feeling deeply embarrassed.

The teacher's comment, which was not meant to be impolite, made the student feel very ashamed/uncomfortable.

Past participle 'unintentionally rude' modifying 'comment'. 'Feeling deeply embarrassed' uses a present participle phrase.

I always get embarrassed when people praise my work too much.

I always feel shy/uncomfortable when people compliment my work excessively.

'Get embarrassed' is a common phrasal alternative to 'feel embarrassed'. Use of 'when' clause.

She couldn't help but feel embarrassed by his constant attention.

She was unable to stop feeling shy/uncomfortable because of his continuous focus on her.

'Couldn't help but feel' expresses an involuntary feeling.

The situation was so awkward that everyone in the room felt embarrassed.

The circumstances were so difficult/uncomfortable that all people in the room felt shy/uncomfortable.

Use of 'so...that' clause to show consequence.

He felt a flush of embarrassment creep up his neck when he realized his fly was undone.

He felt a wave of shyness/discomfort rise in his neck when he understood his trousers were unfastened.

Figurative language 'flush of embarrassment creep up his neck'. Use of 'when' clause with past perfect 'had undone'.

The politician's carefully rehearsed speech was derailed by an unexpected, embarrassing question.

The politician's meticulously prepared speech was disrupted by a surprising, awkward question.

Adjective 'embarrassing' modifying noun 'question'. Passive voice 'was derailed'.

She tried to maintain her composure, but the sheer awkwardness of the moment made her feel profoundly embarrassed.

She attempted to keep her calm, but the extreme difficulty/discomfort of the situation made her feel deeply ashamed/uncomfortable.

'Maintain her composure', 'sheer awkwardness', 'profoundly embarrassed' - elevated vocabulary.

Despite his efforts to appear nonchalant, his embarrassed fidgeting betrayed his true feelings.

Although he tried to seem casual, his shy/uncomfortable restless movements revealed his real emotions.

Adjective 'embarrassed' modifying noun 'fidgeting'. Use of 'despite'.

The cultural misunderstanding led to an embarrassing silence that stretched for several minutes.

The difference in cultural understanding resulted in an awkward quietness that lasted for many minutes.

Adjective 'embarrassing' modifying noun 'silence'. Use of 'that' relative clause.

He couldn't shake the feeling of embarrassment after his poorly received presentation.

He was unable to get rid of the feeling of shyness/discomfort after his presentation that was not well-received.

'Shake the feeling', 'poorly received' - idiomatic and participial phrases.

The child's innocent but revealing question caused the adults to feel acutely embarrassed.

The child's pure but telling question made the adults feel very sharply uncomfortable/ashamed.

Adjectives 'innocent', 'revealing', 'acutely embarrassed' add descriptive detail.

There's a fine line between being playfully teased and feeling genuinely embarrassed.

There is a subtle difference between being playfully made fun of and feeling truly shy/uncomfortable.

'Fine line between...and...' structure. 'Genuinely embarrassed' emphasizes authenticity.

He found himself inexplicably embarrassed by the casual intimacy of the conversation.

He discovered himself without a clear reason feeling shy/uncomfortable due to the informal closeness of the discussion.

Adverb 'inexplicably' modifying adjective 'embarrassed'. Use of participial phrase 'by the casual intimacy'.

The comedian skillfully navigated the potentially embarrassing topic, turning it into a source of humor.

The comedian expertly handled the subject that could have caused discomfort, transforming it into something funny.

Adjective 'embarrassing' modifying noun 'topic'. Use of 'turning it into...'

Her meticulously crafted excuse was undermined by a single, embarrassing slip of the tongue.

Her carefully prepared reason was weakened by one, awkward mistake in speaking.

Adverb 'meticulously' modifying adjective 'crafted'. Adjective 'embarrassing' modifying 'slip of the tongue'.

The sudden realization that he was the only one not laughing induced a wave of acute embarrassment.

The quick understanding that he was the only person not smiling caused a strong feeling of intense shyness/discomfort.

'Induced a wave of acute embarrassment' - sophisticated phrasing. Use of gerund phrase as subject.

He tried to mask his embarrassment with a forced smile, but his eyes betrayed his discomfort.

He attempted to hide his shyness/discomfort with an unnatural smile, but his eyes revealed his unease.

'Mask his embarrassment', 'betrayed his discomfort' - idiomatic expressions.

The retrospective analysis revealed the subtle social cues that had led to his embarrassed reaction.

The look back at the past showed the small, indirect signals that had caused his shy/uncomfortable response.

'Retrospective analysis', 'subtle social cues', 'induced his embarrassed reaction' - academic tone.

It's a common human tendency to feel embarrassed when our vulnerabilities are exposed.

It is a usual inclination for people to feel shy/uncomfortable when their weaknesses are revealed.

'Common human tendency', 'vulnerabilities are exposed' - abstract concepts.

The awkward silence that followed the faux pas was palpable, leaving everyone feeling rather embarrassed.

The uncomfortable quietness that came after the social mistake was easily felt, making everyone feel quite shy/uncomfortable.

'Palpable silence', 'faux pas', 'rather embarrassed' - descriptive and nuanced language.

He experienced a profound sense of mortification, a deep-seated embarrassment far exceeding the immediate situation.

He felt an intense feeling of shame and humiliation, a deep-rooted awkwardness much greater than the current circumstances.

'Profound sense of mortification', 'deep-seated embarrassment', 'far exceeding' - advanced vocabulary and structure.

The public revelation of his private affairs triggered an almost unbearable wave of embarrassment.

The open disclosure of his personal matters caused an almost impossible-to-endure surge of shyness/discomfort.

'Public revelation', 'private affairs', 'almost unbearable wave' - complex phrasing.

She developed an almost phobic aversion to situations that might elicit even the slightest hint of embarrassment.

She grew an extreme dislike, like a fear, towards situations that could possibly provoke even a tiny sign of shyness/discomfort.

'Phobic aversion', 'elicit even the slightest hint' - precise and advanced terminology.

The comedian's masterful deconstruction of social anxieties, particularly the fear of being embarrassed, resonated deeply with the audience.

The comedian's expert analysis of people's worries about social situations, especially the fear of feeling awkward, connected strongly with the viewers.

'Masterful deconstruction', 'social anxieties', 'resonated deeply' - sophisticated analytical language.

His carefully cultivated image of sophistication was momentarily shattered by an involuntary, embarrassingly clumsy gesture.

His deliberately built appearance of refinement was briefly destroyed by an unintentional, awkwardly awkward movement.

'Carefully cultivated image', 'momentarily shattered', 'involuntary, embarrassingly clumsy gesture' - nuanced description.

The sheer audacity of the question left the panel members momentarily speechless and palpably embarrassed.

The extreme boldness of the question rendered the panel members briefly unable to speak and visibly uncomfortable.

'Sheer audacity', 'palpably embarrassed' - strong descriptive adjectives and adverbs.

She navigated the treacherous social waters with an almost preternatural ability to avoid any situation that might cause embarrassment.

She managed the difficult social situations with an almost supernatural skill to prevent any circumstance that could lead to shyness/discomfort.

'Treacherous social waters', 'preternatural ability', 'cause embarrassment' - metaphorical and precise language.

The public's reaction ranged from amusement to outright scorn, leaving the celebrity in a state of acute and prolonged embarrassment.

The public's response varied from finding it funny to openly criticizing, leaving the celebrity in a condition of intense and extended shyness/discomfort.

'Outright scorn', 'acute and prolonged embarrassment' - describing the intensity and duration of the feeling.

Synonyms

ashamed awkward self-conscious uncomfortable humiliated

Antonyms

proud confident bold

Common Collocations

feel embarrassed

get embarrassed

become embarrassed

look embarrassed

sound embarrassed

deeply embarrassed

slightly embarrassed

thoroughly embarrassed

embarrassed about

embarrassed by

Common Phrases

I felt embarrassed.

— This is the most direct way to express the feeling. It's used when you want to state your own emotional state.

When I dropped my books, I felt embarrassed.

He looked embarrassed.

— This describes the visual signs of someone feeling embarrassed, such as blushing or avoiding eye contact.

He looked embarrassed when he realized everyone was staring.

It was embarrassing.

— This phrase describes a situation or an event that caused embarrassment.

It was embarrassing to forget my lines during the play.

Don't be embarrassed.

— This is often said to comfort someone who is feeling shy or awkward.

Don't be embarrassed, it happens to everyone.

made me embarrassed

— This indicates that something or someone caused the feeling of embarrassment.

His comment made me embarrassed.

embarrassed about something

— This specifies the reason for the feeling of embarrassment.

She is embarrassed about her messy handwriting.

embarrassed by something

— Similar to 'about', this phrase links the feeling to its cause.

He was embarrassed by the loud noise.

so embarrassed

— This emphasizes the degree of embarrassment felt.

I was so embarrassed when I realized I was late.

a little embarrassed

— This indicates a mild degree of embarrassment.

He was a little embarrassed by the compliment.

deeply embarrassed

— This indicates a strong or profound level of embarrassment.

She was deeply embarrassed by the public criticism.

Often Confused With

embarrassed vs embarrass (verb)

'Embarrassed' is an adjective describing a feeling, while 'embarrass' is a verb meaning to cause someone to feel embarrassed. Example: 'I felt embarrassed' (feeling) vs. 'He embarrassed me' (action).

embarrassed vs embarrassing (adjective)

'Embarrassed' describes how someone feels, while 'embarrassing' describes something that causes the feeling. Example: 'I am embarrassed' (feeling) vs. 'That was an embarrassing moment' (cause).

embarrassed vs shame

Embarrassment is usually a temporary social discomfort from a specific incident. Shame is a deeper, more personal feeling of disgrace or guilt related to one's character or actions.

Idioms & Expressions

"red in the face"

— To be embarrassed, often shown by blushing. This idiom directly describes the physical sign of embarrassment.

He was red in the face after tripping in front of everyone.

Informal

"want the ground to swallow you up"

— To feel so embarrassed or ashamed that you wish you could disappear completely.

When she realized she had spoken out of turn, she wanted the ground to swallow her up.

Informal

"have egg on your face"

— To be embarrassed because of something foolish you have done or said, especially when it makes you look silly or wrong.

The politician had egg on his face after his predictions turned out to be completely wrong.

Informal

"put on the spot"

— To be forced to answer a difficult question or perform in a way that makes you feel embarrassed or uncomfortable.

The interviewer put me on the spot with a very challenging question.

Informal

"blush"

— To become red in the face, especially from shyness, embarrassment, or shame. While not an idiom, it's a direct physical manifestation of embarrassment.

She blushed when he complimented her dress.

Neutral

"eat your words"

— To admit that something you said was wrong, often because the opposite has happened, which can lead to embarrassment.

He boasted he would win, but he had to eat his words after losing the race.

Informal

"lose face"

— To be humiliated or discredited; to lose the respect of others. This is a stronger consequence that can stem from embarrassment.

The company lost face after the product failed so spectacularly.

Neutral

"caught with your pants down"

— To be discovered in an embarrassing or compromising situation, often unprepared.

The reporter caught the politician with his pants down, revealing his secret deal.

Informal/Vulgar

"in a pickle"

— In a difficult or awkward situation. While not directly meaning embarrassed, it often leads to feelings of embarrassment.

He found himself in a pickle when he realized he had lost the keys.

Informal

"feel foolish"

— To feel silly or stupid, which is a common component of embarrassment.

I felt foolish when I realized I had been using the wrong instructions.

Neutral

Easily Confused

embarrassed vs ashamed

Both words describe negative feelings related to one's actions or self-perception.

Embarrassment is typically a milder, more situational feeling of shyness or awkwardness, often caused by a social mistake or unwanted attention. Shame is a stronger, more profound feeling of guilt, disgrace, or failure, often related to a perceived moral failing or deep character flaw.

He felt embarrassed when he forgot his lines on stage. He felt ashamed of himself for lying to his parents.

embarrassed vs awkward

Both words describe social discomfort and unease.

Embarrassment specifically refers to the feeling of shyness, shame, or discomfort due to a mistake or social faux pas. 'Awkward' can describe a feeling of social discomfort, but it can also describe a situation, a person, or an object that is clumsy, difficult to handle, or socially uncomfortable in a broader sense, not necessarily tied to a specific mistake.

I felt embarrassed when I realized I had worn mismatched socks. The silence in the room was awkward.

embarrassed vs self-conscious

Both describe a state of mental discomfort related to how one is perceived.

Feeling embarrassed is often a reaction to a specific event or mistake that draws attention. Being self-conscious means being acutely aware of oneself, one's appearance, or one's actions, often leading to nervousness or shyness, even without a specific mistake occurring. Embarrassment is often a consequence of being self-conscious in a particular situation.

He became self-conscious about his new haircut and tried to hide it. She felt embarrassed when the teacher called on her unexpectedly.

embarrassed vs shy

Both relate to discomfort in social situations.

Shyness is a more general disposition of nervousness, timidity, or apprehension around people, especially strangers or in social situations. Embarrassment is a more specific feeling of shame or discomfort that arises from a particular incident, mistake, or social faux pas.

She is shy and finds it hard to talk to new people. He felt embarrassed when he accidentally bumped into someone.

embarrassed vs flustered

Both describe a state of agitation and discomfort.

Feeling flustered means being agitated, confused, or disorganized, often due to being rushed, surprised, or overwhelmed. Embarrassment is specifically about feeling shy, ashamed, or uncomfortable due to a social mistake or unwanted attention. One can feel flustered *and* embarrassed, but they are not the same.

She was flustered by the unexpected phone call and couldn't find her keys. He felt embarrassed when he realized he had forgotten his wallet.

Sentence Patterns

Subject + feel + embarrassed.

I feel embarrassed.

Subject + look + embarrassed.

She looked embarrassed.

Subject + feel + embarrassed + when + [clause].

He felt embarrassed when he tripped.

It + was + embarrassing + to + [verb].

It was embarrassing to forget.

Subject + feel + [adverb] + embarrassed.

I felt very embarrassed.

Subject + feel + embarrassed + about/by + [noun phrase].

She felt embarrassed about her mistake.

Subject + try + to + [verb] + embarrassed + [noun].

He tried to hide his embarrassed expression.

The + [noun] + made + subject + feel + embarrassed.

The situation made me feel embarrassed.

Word Family

Nouns

Verbs

Adjectives

How to Use It

frequency

Very High

Common Mistakes

Confusing 'embarrassed' (adjective) with 'embarrass' (verb). → I felt embarrassed. (Correct) / He embarrassed me. (Correct)
'Embarrassed' describes the feeling. 'Embarrass' is the action of causing that feeling. Incorrect: 'I embarrassed when I fell.' Correct: 'I felt embarrassed when I fell.' or 'My fall embarrassed me.'
Misspelling: 'embarassed' or 'embarrased'. → embarrassed
The word has a double 'r' and a double 's'. Remember the spelling of 'embarrass' itself: e-m-b-a-r-r-a-s-s. Adding '-ed' doesn't change this. Incorrect: 'I was embarassed.' Correct: 'I was embarrassed.'
Using 'embarrassed' to describe a situation instead of the feeling. → That was an embarrassing situation. (Correct) / I felt embarrassed by the situation. (Correct)
'Embarrassed' describes the person's feeling. 'Embarrassing' describes the situation or thing that causes the feeling. Incorrect: 'I was embarrassed situation.' Correct: 'I was embarrassed by the situation.' or 'The situation was embarrassing.'
Overusing 'embarrassed' for minor inconveniences. → I felt slightly uncomfortable when the train was delayed. (More appropriate)
While technically possible, calling every minor inconvenience 'embarrassing' dilutes the meaning. Use 'embarrassed' for situations involving shyness, shame, or social awkwardness, not just mild inconvenience. Incorrect: 'I was embarrassed because the bus was late.'
Confusing 'embarrassed' with 'ashamed' for trivial matters. → He felt embarrassed when he tripped. (Correct) / He felt ashamed of his cheating. (Correct)
Embarrassment is usually about social awkwardness or a mistake. Shame is a deeper feeling of guilt or disgrace for something more serious or morally wrong. Incorrect: 'He felt ashamed when he tripped.'

Tips

Stress and Sounds

Focus on stressing the second syllable: em-BAR-assed. Ensure the '-assed' part sounds like 'ust', not 'ass-ed'.

Double Trouble

Remember the double 'r' and double 's' in 'embarrassed'. It's a common spelling challenge, so practice writing it out.

Adjective vs. Verb

Use 'embarrassed' to describe how someone feels (adjective). Use 'embarrass' to describe the action of causing that feeling (verb). For example: 'I felt embarrassed' vs. 'He embarrassed me.'

Situational Awareness

Think about situations that typically cause embarrassment: mistakes, public attention, social faux pas. This helps you understand when to use the word.

Finding Alternatives

Consider using words like 'awkward', 'shy', or 'self-conscious' depending on the specific nuance you want to convey. Each has a slightly different meaning.

Degrees of Feeling

Use adverbs like 'slightly', 'very', 'deeply', or 'thoroughly' to indicate the level of embarrassment. 'I was slightly embarrassed' vs. 'I was deeply embarrassed.'

Explaining the 'Why'

Use prepositions like 'by' or 'about' (or 'when' clauses) to explain what caused the embarrassment. 'Embarrassed by the question,' 'Embarrassed about my mistake,' 'Embarrassed when I fell.'

Natural Expressions

Learn common phrases like 'I felt embarrassed,' 'He looked embarrassed,' and 'It was embarrassing' for natural-sounding speech and writing.

Visual Association

Imagine someone blushing bright red like a stop sign when they make a mistake. This visual link can help you remember the word and its meaning.

Active Learning

Try writing sentences about embarrassing situations you've experienced or witnessed. This active recall strengthens your understanding and usage.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Imagine you are at a big party, and you accidentally spill a drink on someone important. You feel 'em-BAR-assed' because everyone is looking at you, and you wish you could just 'bar' (block) yourself from their sight. The 'assed' part sounds like 'asked', as in 'everyone asked what happened'.

Visual Association

Picture someone tripping and falling in a public place, their face turning red, and they cover their face with their hands, looking down. This visual captures the feeling of being exposed and uncomfortable.

Word Web

Feeling Shy Uncomfortable Ashamed Social situation Mistake Attention Blushing Awkward

Challenge

Think of three different situations where you or someone you know might feel embarrassed. Write a short sentence for each using the word 'embarrassed'.

Word Origin

The word 'embarrassed' comes from the French word 'embarrasser', which means to block up, hinder, or perplex. This French word itself is thought to have originated from the Portuguese 'embaraçar', meaning to entangle or impede.

Original meaning: To entangle, impede, or perplex.

Indo-European > Italic > Latin > Romance > French > English

Cultural Context

While embarrassment is a common human emotion, it's important to be mindful when discussing someone's experiences. What one person finds mildly embarrassing, another might find deeply distressing. Avoid dwelling on someone's mistakes or pointing out their awkward moments unless it's in a clearly supportive or humorous context, and only if appropriate for the relationship.

In English-speaking cultures, embarrassment is a common and relatable emotion. It's often associated with minor social blunders, unexpected attention, or perceived personal failings. Phrases like 'red in the face' or 'wanting the ground to swallow you up' vividly describe this feeling. It's generally considered a temporary state, and often leads to self-deprecating humor.

The character of Bridget Jones in the movie 'Bridget Jones's Diary' is famously prone to embarrassing situations, making the term highly relatable. Sitcoms like 'The Office' often derive humor from the awkward and embarrassing interactions between characters. Many stand-up comedians build their acts around relatable embarrassing personal experiences.

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

Making a mistake in public

I felt so embarrassed when I tripped.
He looked embarrassed after spilling his drink.
It was embarrassing to forget my lines.

Receiving unwanted attention

She felt embarrassed by the sudden applause.
He was embarrassed when everyone stared at him.
I don't want to be embarrassed by the attention.

Social awkwardness

I felt embarrassed in the awkward silence.
It's embarrassing to be the only one who doesn't understand.
He was embarrassed about the misunderstanding.

Being complimented

She felt a little embarrassed by the compliment.
He looked embarrassed when praised.
I get embarrassed when people say nice things.

Forgetting something

I was embarrassed when I forgot his name.
He felt embarrassed for not bringing his homework.
It's embarrassing to forget what you were saying.

Conversation Starters

"Can you think of a time you felt really embarrassed? What happened?"

"What's something small that can make someone feel embarrassed?"

"Do you think it's okay to laugh when someone else is embarrassed?"

"How can you help someone who is feeling embarrassed?"

"Is it better to be embarrassed by a small mistake or to pretend nothing happened?"

Journal Prompts

Describe a situation where you felt embarrassed. What were the specific details, and how did you react physically and emotionally?

Reflect on a time someone else was embarrassed. How did you respond, and what did you learn from observing their reaction?

Write about a time you were embarrassed in front of a group of people. How did the size of the group affect your feelings?

Imagine you are writing a story about a character who is easily embarrassed. What kind of situations would you put them in?

Consider the difference between embarrassment and shame. Write about a time you felt one but not the other, or perhaps both.

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

'Embarrassed' is an adjective describing how a person feels – shy, uncomfortable, or ashamed. For example, 'I felt embarrassed.' 'Embarrassing' is also an adjective, but it describes something that causes the feeling of embarrassment. For example, 'That was an embarrassing situation.' The situation itself is embarrassing, and it makes people feel embarrassed.

Yes, it's quite common to feel embarrassed by a compliment, especially if it's very effusive, unexpected, or if you feel you don't deserve it. This often happens because receiving praise can draw attention to you, making you feel self-conscious, which is closely related to embarrassment. For instance, 'She felt a little embarrassed by the praise, but she was also pleased.'

No, 'embarrassed' itself is an adjective. The verb is 'to embarrass'. When you feel this way, you say 'I feel embarrassed' or 'I am embarrassed'. If someone else causes you to feel this way, they 'embarrassed' you. For example: 'He embarrassed me by telling that story.'

Being 'red in the face' is a common idiom that means to be embarrassed. It refers to the physical symptom of blushing, where your face turns red because you feel shy, ashamed, or uncomfortable, often due to a mistake or unwanted attention. For example: 'He went red in the face when he realized he was wearing his shirt inside out.'

Yes, while embarrassment is a normal emotion, it can become overwhelming. If someone experiences intense or frequent embarrassment, it might indicate social anxiety or a deep-seated fear of judgment. In such cases, the feeling can be debilitating and interfere with daily life.

The correct spelling is 'e-m-b-a-r-r-a-s-s-e-d'. Remember that the root word 'embarrass' has a double 'r' and a double 's', and these are retained when adding '-ed'.

Yes, children can feel embarrassed, though their understanding and expression of it may differ from adults. They might feel shy or uncomfortable when they make a mistake, get attention, or are compared to others. For example, a child might feel embarrassed if they wet their pants in public.

Common causes include making a mistake (like tripping or spilling something), saying the wrong thing, forgetting something important (like a name or an appointment), being caught doing something silly, receiving unexpected attention or praise, or having a personal flaw pointed out.

It's difficult to completely stop feeling embarrassed, as it's a natural social emotion. However, you can manage it by practicing self-compassion, reminding yourself that everyone makes mistakes, focusing on the situation rather than your own feelings, and practicing social skills. Sometimes, humor can also help diffuse the feeling.