embarrassed

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "embarrassed" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe a feeling of discomfort due to shame, confusion, or self-consciousness. Example sentence: I was embarrassed when I stumbled and fell in front of the crowd.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Lifestyle

Sport

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The Pompidou Centre has obviously been embarrassed by this, claiming that the exhibition was never intended to cover his whole life and work.

The Guardian

One teacher told the Observer: "Girls hitching up their skirts is not new, but it is getting worse, and the skirts are getting so high that male teachers are constantly saying they are embarrassed by the sight of female underwear in the corridors and especially on the stairs".

The Guardian

The prosecution of a Swedish national accused of terrorist activities in Syria has collapsed at the Old Bailey after it became clear Britain's security and intelligence agencies would have been deeply embarrassed had a trial gone ahead, the Guardian can reveal.

The Guardian

People are embarrassed of it, or it's a naff thing to describe yourself as, but if I didn't have acting, directing, music, then I'd struggle.

The Guardian - Film

The Australian government should be embarrassed by a UN report expressing concern about the way Tasmania's world heritage area is being managed, the Bob Brown Foundation conservation group says.

The Guardian

Spencer Lawton, the district attorney who secured Davis's conviction in 1991, said he was embarrassed for the judicial system that the execution has taken so long.

The Guardian

And I'm living in an apartment with stairs.' 'What have been the psychological effects?' 'I didn't want to go out after it happened.' She sighs, looks down and smiles, suddenly, wrongly, embarrassed at her perceived weakness.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Is it possible that even Rangers - who, of course, face Ayr in the CIS Insurance Cup Final next month - will be embarrassed when they visit Forfar today?

The Guardian - Sport

Sparky is embarrassed, but then suddenly gets it: he has to love himself if he wants to be loved!

The Guardian - Lifestyle

The same chief executive was embarrassed as McBride successfully challenged the botched issuing of a dugout ban for Lennon.

The Guardian - Sport

All this while the editors insisted it was a "family" newspaper and embarrassed themselves by talking mindlessly about "natural beauty".

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "embarrassed" to convey a feeling of self-consciousness, shame, or awkwardness in social situations or when reflecting on personal actions. Consider the intensity of the feeling and choose a more specific synonym if needed, such as 'mortified' or 'chagrined'.

Common error

Avoid using "embarrassed" to describe physical discomfort. While emotional and physical states can intertwine, "embarrassed" specifically refers to a feeling of shame or awkwardness, not pain or physical unease. For physical discomfort, use terms like 'uncomfortable' or 'in pain'.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "embarrassed" is as an adjective, describing a state or feeling. It indicates that someone is experiencing a sense of shame, discomfort, or awkwardness. Ludwig confirms this through various examples of usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Lifestyle

25%

Sport

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Science

5%

Encyclopedias

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "embarrassed" is a common adjective used to describe a feeling of awkwardness, shame, or discomfort. Ludwig AI confirms that it is grammatically correct and widely used across various contexts, particularly in news, lifestyle, and sports media. While generally neutral in formality, it's important to consider the specific nuance you want to convey when choosing between "embarrassed" and its synonyms, such as "ashamed" or "humiliated". Avoid using "embarrassed" to describe physical discomfort, as it specifically refers to emotional discomfort.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Ashamed

Focuses more on the feeling of guilt or wrongdoing, rather than general discomfort.

Humiliated

Implies a stronger feeling of having one's pride or dignity damaged.

Mortified

Represents an extreme form of embarrassment, almost to the point of shock.

Chagrined

Indicates a feeling of disappointment and annoyance at having failed or been humiliated.

Disconcerted

Highlights the feeling of being unsettled or confused.

Self-conscious

Emphasizes awareness of oneself and concern about being watched or judged by others.

Awkward

Describes a situation or feeling that is uncomfortable or clumsy.

Abashed

Suggests a feeling of being disconcerted or ashamed after a mistake or misjudgment.

Sheepish

Indicates a sense of being timid or bashful due to embarrassment or shame.

Uncomfortable

Describes a general feeling of unease or awkwardness, not necessarily tied to shame.

FAQs

How can I use "embarrassed" in a sentence?

You can use "embarrassed" to describe a feeling of discomfort or shame, such as "I was "embarrassed" when I tripped in front of everyone" or "She felt "embarrassed" by her mistake".

What are some synonyms for "embarrassed"?

Alternatives to "embarrassed" include "ashamed", "humiliated", "mortified", "self-conscious", and "awkward". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "I am embarrassing"?

No, "I am embarrassing" is grammatically incorrect. "Embarrassing" describes something that causes embarrassment. The correct form is "I am "embarrassed"", which means you are experiencing the feeling of embarrassment.

What's the difference between "embarrassed" and "ashamed"?

"Embarrassed" generally describes a feeling of awkwardness or discomfort, while "ashamed" implies a stronger feeling of guilt or regret for something one has done. You might be "embarrassed" by a social faux pas, but "ashamed" of a moral failing.