Embarrassment — Meaning, Definition & Synonyms

noun /im-ˈber-əs-mənt/ em·bar·rass·ment

Meaning & Definition of Embarrassment

Embarrassment (noun)

  1. something that embarrasses
  2. an excessive quantity from which to select —used especially in the phrase embarrassment of riches
  3. the state of being embarrassed

Embarrassment (noun) — Senses, Synonyms & Antonyms

  1. the emotional state of being made self-consciously uncomfortable

    "experienced the great embarrassment of tripping while on stage"

    similar: abashment, confusion, discomfiture, disconcertment, fluster, mortification, egg on one's face
    related: agitation, bother, chagrin, discomfort, discomposure, dismay, disquiet, distress, disturbance, perturbation, unease, uneasiness, upset, disgrace, ignominy, shame, debasement, degradation, humiliation, humble pie
    near: aplomb, assurance, composure, confidence, coolness, equanimity, poise, self-assurance, self-confidence, self-possession

  2. something that makes movement or progress difficult

    "a big suitcase filled with clothes proved to be more an embarrassment than a convenience on my trip"

    similar: balk, bar, block, chain, clog, cramp, crimp, deterrent, drag, encumbrance, fetter, handicap, hindrance, holdback, hurdle, impediment, inhibition, interference, let, manacle, obstacle, obstruction, shackles, stop, stumbling block, trammel
    related: catch, hitch, rub, snag, barrier, blockade, blockage, brick wall, stone wall, arrest, bit, brake, check, constraint, curb, hobble, rein, restraint, embargo, stoppage, delay, holdup, stall, burden, cumber, load, danger, hazard, peril, reef, adversity, difficulty, disadvantage, drawback, hardship
    near: catalyst, goad, impetus, incentive, spur, stimulant, stimulus, advantage, break, edge, aid, assistance, benefit, boost, handmaiden, help

Related Entry: Embarrassment of riches (phrase)

Embarrassment of riches is a different word from Embarrassment. The synonyms below are for embarrassment of riches, not for embarrassment.

  1. an amount or supply more than sufficient to meet one's needs

    "He found himself with an embarrassment of riches after flipping a few houses."

    similar: abundance, cornucopia, feast, plenitude, plentitude, plenty, plethora, superabundance, wealth
    related: adequacy, competence, competency, sufficiency, ampleness, amplitude, liberality, excess, overdose, overflow, overkill, oversupply, redundancy, superfluity, superfluousness, surfeit, surplus, copiousness, fecundity, fertility, fruitfulness, opulence, richness, lavishness, luxuriance
    opposite: deficiency, inadequacy, insufficiency, undersupply
    near: paucity, poverty, scarcity, barrenness, infertility, sterility

Synonyms, Thesaurus & Another Word for Embarrassment

The most common words with a similar meaning to Embarrassment:

abashment, confusion, discomfiture, disconcertment, fluster, mortification, balk, bar, block, chain, clog, cramp, crimp, deterrent, drag, encumbrance, fetter, handicap, hindrance, holdback, hurdle, impediment, inhibition, interference, let, manacle, obstacle, obstruction, shackles, stop, stumbling block, trammel, egg on one's face

Related Words for Embarrassment

agitation, bother, chagrin, discomfort, discomposure, dismay, disquiet, distress, disturbance, perturbation, unease, uneasiness, upset, disgrace, ignominy, shame, debasement, degradation, humiliation, humble pie, catch, hitch, rub, snag, barrier, blockade, blockage, brick wall, stone wall, arrest

Near Antonyms of Embarrassment

aplomb, assurance, composure, confidence, coolness, equanimity, poise, self-assurance, self-confidence, self-possession, catalyst, goad, impetus, incentive, spur, stimulant, stimulus, advantage, break, edge, aid, assistance, benefit, boost, handmaiden, help

Origin & Etymology of Embarrassment

First known use: 1676

Vocabulary Lists & Topics for Embarrassment

Words & Phrases Containing Embarrassment

embarrassment of riches

Frequently Asked Questions about Embarrassment

What does "Embarrassment" mean?

"Embarrassment" means something that embarrasses. As a noun, it is defined as: something that embarrasses. It has 2 distinct senses.

What is another word for "Embarrassment"?

Other words for "Embarrassment" include abashment, confusion, discomfiture, disconcertment, fluster, mortification, balk and bar. The best synonym depends on which meaning of "Embarrassment" you intend.

What are different ways to say "Embarrassment"?

There are 88 words and phrases with a similar meaning to "Embarrassment". Common alternatives include abashment, confusion, discomfiture, disconcertment, fluster, mortification, balk, bar, block and chain.

How do you use "Embarrassment" in a sentence?

Examples of "Embarrassment" in a sentence: "experienced the great embarrassment of tripping while on stage"; "a big suitcase filled with clothes proved to be more an embarrassment than a convenience on my trip".

Is "Embarrassment" a noun, verb, or adjective?

"Embarrassment" is a noun.

Is "Embarrassment" useful for IELTS, TOEFL, and other English exams?

As a C1-level word, "Embarrassment" is typical of Cambridge C1 Advanced (CAE), IELTS band 7.0–8.0, TOEFL iBT 95–113, PTE Academic 76–84, TOEIC Listening & Reading 945+. Advanced words like this are also useful for the GRE, SAT, GMAT, and LSAT.

How do you pronounce "Embarrassment"?

"Embarrassment" is pronounced /im-ˈber-əs-mənt/ and divided into syllables as em·bar·rass·ment.

What is the origin of the word "Embarrassment"?

First known use: 1676.