B1adjectiveemotions
US/ɪmˈber.əst/
UK/ɪmˈbær.əst/
feeling shy, nervous or ashamed because of what other people think of you
In context
I felt so embarrassed when I called my teacher 'Mum' in class.
He was too embarrassed to admit he didn't understand the question.
Don't be embarrassed about asking for help; everyone gets lost sometimes.
Words that go with embarrassed
adjective + preposition
- embarrassed aboutMany teenagers are embarrassed about their skin problems.
- embarrassed byShe was embarrassed by all the attention on her birthday.
adverb + adjective
- too embarrassedSome patients are too embarrassed to describe their symptoms to a doctor.
- deeply embarrassedThe company said it was deeply embarrassed by the data leak.
adjective + noun
- embarrassed silenceThere was an embarrassed silence after his joke fell flat.
Common mistakes
Incorrect:
I was very embarrassing.Correct: I was very embarrassed.