embarrassed about

USAGE SUMMARY

"embarrassed about" is correct and can be used in written English.
You can use it to describe how someone feels in a particular situation, as in the following example sentence: Alice was embarrassed about making a mistake in front of the whole class.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

I'm embarrassed about it".

The New York Times

"I was a little embarrassed about it".

The New Yorker

(He was later somewhat embarrassed about this).

The New York Times - Books

Maybe he's embarrassed about it.

The New Yorker

Rather seemed embarrassed about it.

The New Yorker

I'm embarrassed about my thumb.

The New Yorker

I've got nothing to be embarrassed about".

The New York Times - Sports

"I'm a little embarrassed about it.

The New York Times - Sports

It has nothing to be embarrassed about".

The Guardian - Opinion

They won't tell you that, because they're embarrassed about that.

Cornell University

Many grown women still feel embarrassed about buying tampons.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "embarrassed about", clearly specify the cause of the embarrassment to avoid ambiguity. For instance, "She was embarrassed about her poor performance" is more explicit than simply saying, "She was embarrassed."

Common error

Avoid using "embarrassed about" with vague pronouns like 'it' without clear context. Instead of saying 'He was embarrassed about it', specify what 'it' refers to, such as 'He was embarrassed about the mistake he made'.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "embarrassed about" functions as an adjectival phrase followed by a preposition, modifying a subject by describing their emotional state in relation to something. Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase is grammatically correct and commonly used.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

67%

Wiki

15%

Science

7%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "embarrassed about" is a commonly used and grammatically correct phrase to express feelings of discomfort or shame. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and provides numerous real-world examples. When using this phrase, clarity is key—always specify the reason for the embarrassment. While alternatives like "ashamed of" or "self-conscious about" exist, the choice depends on the nuance you want to convey. Remember, precision and context are crucial for effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

ashamed of

Indicates a stronger feeling of guilt or regret.

self-conscious about

Focuses on awareness of oneself and potential judgment from others.

uncomfortable with

Suggests a feeling of unease or awkwardness.

mortified by

Implies extreme embarrassment or humiliation.

sheepish about

Conveys a sense of mild embarrassment or awkwardness.

chagrined by

Indicates disappointment or annoyance at having failed or been humiliated.

disconcerted by

Suggests a feeling of being unsettled or confused.

awkward about

Focuses on the clumsy or ungraceful aspect of the situation.

guilty about

Implicates a feeling of responsibility for wrongdoing.

remorseful about

Emphasizes deep regret for a past action.

FAQs

What can I say instead of "embarrassed about"?

You can use alternatives like "ashamed of", "self-conscious about", or "uncomfortable with" depending on the context.

How to use "embarrassed about" in a sentence?

You can use "embarrassed about" to describe a feeling of discomfort or shame regarding a specific situation or action. For example: "I was embarrassed about forgetting her name".

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

"Embarrassed about" generally implies a feeling of awkwardness or discomfort, while "ashamed of" suggests a deeper sense of guilt or wrongdoing.

Is it correct to say "embarrassed by" instead of "embarrassed about"?

While both can be used, "embarrassed about" is generally used when referring to the cause of embarrassment, whereas "embarrassed by" often refers to the person or thing causing the embarrassment. For example, "embarrassed about the mistake" vs. "embarrassed by his comments".