B1verbemotionsrelationships
US/ɪmˈber.əs/
UK/ɪmˈbær.əs/
to make someone feel shy, awkward or ashamed in front of other people
In context
My dad always embarrasses me by singing loudly in the supermarket.
I did not want to embarrass her by asking about her salary.
The mistake embarrassed the company and cost it several big clients.
Words that go with embarrass
adverb + verb
- publicly embarrassThe coach publicly embarrassed the young player.
- deeply embarrassThe scandal deeply embarrassed the whole government.
verb + preposition
- embarrass someone in front ofPlease do not embarrass me in front of my friends.
verb + noun
- embarrass yourselfDo not embarrass yourself by forgetting the speech.
- embarrass the governmentThe leaked report could embarrass the government.
- embarrass a colleagueNever embarrass a colleague during a meeting.
Common mistakes
Incorrect:
I am embarrassing about my English.Correct: I am embarrassed about my English.