embarrassmentem‧bar‧rass‧ment /ɪmˈbærəsmənt/ ●●○ noun 
She suffered extreme embarrassment at not knowing how to read. He could not hide his embarrassment at his children’s rudeness.to somebody’s embarrassment To her embarrassment, she couldn’t remember his name.2[countable] an event that causes a government, political organization etc problems, and makes it look badembarrassment to/for The allegations have been an acute embarrassment (=serious and severe embarrassment) to the prime minister. The scandal was a further source of embarrassment to the government.3[countable] someone who behaves in a way that makes you feel ashamed, nervous, or uncomfortableembarrassment to Tim’s drinking has made him an embarrassment to the whole family.4financial embarrassment debts or a lack of money that causes problems for you5an embarrassment of riches so many good things that it is difficult to decide which one you wantCOLLOCATIONS– Meaning 1adjectivesgreat embarrassment· To my great embarrassment, my dad started dancing.severe/extreme embarrassment· This scandal could cause severe embarrassment to the government.considerable embarrassment (=quite strong)· His behaviour was a source of considerable embarrassment to his family.acute embarrassment (=very strong and not lasting very long)· There was a moment of acute embarrassment when we realized people were watching.further embarrassment (=extra or additional)· His resignation should save the government any further embarrassment.potential embarrassment (=possible)· By dropping out of the competition, he was spared the potential embarrassment of losing.obvious embarrassment (=clear for other people to see)· He shuffled his feet around in obvious embarrassment.verbscause embarrassment· Some of his jokes caused embarrassment to the older members of the audience.avoid embarrassment· This solution could help both countries avoid embarrassment.hide your embarrassment· She started laughing in an attempt to hide her embarrassment.phrasesa source of embarrassment (=a cause of embarrassment)· His views on immigration were a constant source of embarrassment to the party.COLLOCATIONS– Meaning 2verbsbe/become an embarrassment· Your behaviour is becoming an embarrassment to the school.be considered an embarrassment (=be thought of as embarrassing)· He may be popular abroad, but he's considered an embarrassment at home.prove an embarrassment (=be an embarrassment)· The publication of the documents proved a severe embarrassment to the company.adjectivesa big/severe embarrassment· This failure was a severe embarrassment to the government.a huge embarrassment (=very big or severe)· If the story is true, it could prove a huge embarrassment to the star.a serious/major embarrassment (=severe and important)· This episode has been a serious embarrassment for the club.an acute embarrassment (=extremely severe and important)· Her memoirs were an acute embarrassment to the president.a considerable embarrassment (=quite severe)· The photograph was a considerable embarrassment to the royal family.
EXAMPLES FROM OTHER DICTIONARIES
- He looked down at the floor in an attempt to hide his embarrassment.
- She read my poem out to the whole class - I almost died of embarrassment.
- Stich's arrest was an embarrassment to the agency because they had often criticized foreign governments of corruption.
- Will looked down and tried to hide his embarrassment.
- In Britain the only consensus has appeared to be to regard him as an embarrassment.
- In their 74-point embarrassment on Sunday, the team appeared disorganized.
- Looking in her direction was an embarrassment.
- She soon became an embarrassment to her sons.
- We have an embarrassment of riches here!
- With the cold war over, I became an embarrassment to my parents and a joke to my kids.
Longman Language Activatorthe feeling you have when you are embarrassed
the feeling you have when you are embarrassed: · He looked down at the floor in an attempt to hide his embarrassment.I almost/nearly died of embarrassment spoken (=a humorous way of saying you felt very embarrassed about something): · She read my poem out to the whole class - I almost died of embarrassment.
to make someone feel embarrassed something that is embarrassing makes you feel embarrassed : · It was so embarrassing - I couldn't remember his name!· The doctor asked me a lot of embarrassing questions about my sex life.embarrassing to/for: · The revelations about the President's university life were to prove deeply embarrassing to him.
to make someone feel embarrassed: · I hope I didn't embarrass you in front of your friends.· One woman was trying to embarrass me by asking me questions I couldn't answer.
if a situation or an action causes embarrassment to someone, it makes them feel embarrassed in front of a lot of people: · If you want I'll leave - I don't want to cause any embarrassment.cause somebody embarrassment: · His wife's frequent affairs with other men had caused him acute public embarrassment.cause embarrassment to somebody: · The article was intended to cause the greatest possible embarrassment to the government.
if someone or something is an embarrassment to someone, they make them feel embarrassed or ashamed to be connected with them: · Look at the way he's dressed. It's an embarrassment.be an embarrassment to: · His heavy drinking was an embarrassment to his friends and family.
use this about something that makes you feel extremely embarrassed: · The ambassador opened the gift in front of all his guests - and the box was empty! It was the most excruciating moment of my life.· There followed an excruciating silence that lasted for at least a minute.
COLLOCATIONS FROM THE ENTRY Meaning 1adjectives She laughed to hide her nervousness.COLLOCATIONS FROM THE CORPUSADJECTIVE
· To my great embarrassment, my dad started dancing.
· This scandal could cause severe embarrassment to the government.
(=quite strong)· His behaviour was a source of considerable embarrassment to his family.
(=very strong and not lasting very long)· There was a moment of acute embarrassment when we realized people were watching.
(=extra or additional)· His resignation should save the government any further embarrassment.
(=possible)· By dropping out of the competition, he was spared the potential embarrassment of losing.
(=clear for other people to see)· He shuffled his feet around in obvious embarrassment.
verbs· Some of his jokes caused embarrassment to the older members of the audience.
· This solution could help both countries avoid embarrassment.
· She started laughing in an attempt to hide her embarrassment.
phrases (=a cause of embarrassment)· His views on immigration were a constant source of embarrassment to the party.
Meaning 2verbs· Your behaviour is becoming an embarrassment to the school.
(=be thought of as embarrassing)· He may be popular abroad, but he's considered an embarrassment at home.
(=be an embarrassment)· The publication of the documents proved a severe embarrassment to the company.
adjectives· This failure was a severe embarrassment to the government.
(=very big or severe)· If the story is true, it could prove a huge embarrassment to the star.
(=severe and important)· This episode has been a serious embarrassment for the club.
(=extremely severe and important)· Her memoirs were an acute embarrassment to the president.
(=quite severe)· The photograph was a considerable embarrassment to the royal family.
COLLOCATIONS FROM OTHER ENTRIES (=offend/embarrass someone)· How can I refuse the invitation without causing offence?
She laughed to hide her nervousness.· The prospect of Hitler's trial in the aftermath of the failed putsch caused the Bavarian authorities acute embarrassment.· To my acute embarrassment, the children seemed far more interested in meeting some one from television.· Early in her first premiership it caused her a moment of acute embarrassment.· The bust was an acute embarrassment to Curtis who, in 1970, was the anti-smoking lobby's most famous disciple.· What was at stake was acute government embarrassment.
· He was wearing a scarf, a pair of boots, and a look of considerable embarrassment.· For these drawings, Stephen received considerable embarrassment at the hands of the Art Teacher.· To do so would have entailed considerable embarrassment.· The government subsequently decided not to accept any of the bids for Land Rover during April 1986 amid considerable political embarrassment.· Another case caused considerable embarrassment to Mr Simitis.· The onset of bladder dysfunction ... leads to considerable distress and embarrassment.
· Again, professional financial advice on the advantages and disadvantages of this form of borrowing seems a sensible precaution against financial embarrassment.· Even before the war, the Vatican found itself in constant financial embarrassment.· In July 1627 Buckingham embarked upon his ill-fated expedition, which still further increased Charles I's financial embarrassments.· As a rule, financial embarrassment leaves most of us with no choice but to run with the crowd.
· To avoid further embarrassment he took the butter knife plus the bit of butter with him.
· In fact, a police raid on ffeatherstonehaugh's would lead to a great deal of embarrassment.· It is the area of abuse that has caused great embarrassment for the president and the Democrats.· This effect is called cross-talk and can be a great nuisance and embarrassment.· At last he whispered with great embarrassment that what was upsetting him was a word that he had heard.· As my son had won one, this meant he suffered a great deal of embarrassment.
· The whole episode has been a major embarrassment for all concerned.· The disclosure comes as a major embarrassment to the government and other political parties ahead of national elections in April.· This vast stock overhangs the market, and is a source of major embarrassment for the Commission.
· Their disclosures were, however, likely to cause serious political embarrassment to the Government.· The government subsequently decided not to accept any of the bids for Land Rover during April 1986 amid considerable political embarrassment.· To avoid the possible political embarrassment of such a referendum, the government preferred to make the law itself.· That would certainly suit the Jaguar management's book and has less potential for political embarrassment than an unruly hostile bid.
· Organizational defensive routines One of the most powerful ways people deal with potential embarrassment is to create organisational defensive routines.· But the meteorites were a potential embarrassment to the purest forms of uniformitarianism.· That would certainly suit the Jaguar management's book and has less potential for political embarrassment than an unruly hostile bid.· Daley removed the power because it was a potential source of embarrassment and trouble.· The story was a potential embarrassment for a president who fathered the War on Poverty.
· That belief has been rudely undermined by the collapse in the market causing severe embarrassment to many big players.
VERB· This avoids the embarrassment - or worse - of overspending.· Determined to avoid embarrassment, he struggled with the social customs of the day.· The United Nations also helps both countries avoid embarrassment by treating the business arrangements as confidential.· Some White House officials concede the first lady has hurt the administration by efforts to avoid personal embarrassment.· There are many ways for the authorities to avoid the embarrassment and inconvenience of a jury trial when press freedom is involved.· They needed to know, with enough certainty to avoid embarrassment, inconvenience, and lawsuits when the building was completed.· To avoid any possible embarrassment the receptionist should show the lady to a seat in the lounge.· To avoid further embarrassment he took the butter knife plus the bit of butter with him.
· And no one argued when he said he had become an embarrassment.· He became an embarrassment, and, perhaps more important, an obstacle to trade.· He was becoming an embarrassment to the Government.· With the cold war over, I became an embarrassment to my parents and a joke to my kids.· Nowadays Darra has become an embarrassment to a military regime desperate to dam the flood of weapons flowing through it.· She soon became an embarrassment to her sons.· Now his strategy for recovery looks set to become another huge embarrassment.· As a result, some of the early projects were to become painful embarrassments, and expensive ones.
· But what does a Lords defeat actually do, apart from causing some temporary embarrassment to the Government?· It is the area of abuse that has caused great embarrassment for the president and the Democrats.· He was told that such a reference might cause embarrassment to some of the pupils.· He seemed to be genuinely horrified at the prospect of causing embarrassment or disappointment or inconvenience to another person.· That belief has been rudely undermined by the collapse in the market causing severe embarrassment to many big players.· Stopping it or even pausing it would have caused terminal embarrassment for everyone involved.· Their disclosures were, however, likely to cause serious political embarrassment to the Government.· Another case caused considerable embarrassment to Mr Simitis.
· Only to cover my embarrassment, I say something really stupid.· It had been constantly pulled down to cover his imagined embarrassment.· These cliches effectively cover our embarrassment and maintain our status.· Often she would say something foolish, immediately regret it, then, to cover her embarrassment, say something worse.
· I feel neither shame or embarrassment at my feelings, not do I think they should be ignored.· Sometimes parents feel some embarrassment and guilt toward defiant or stubborn aspects of themselves.· Jezrael could feel her embarrassment gathering physical momentum inside her, turning into nausea.· I felt the heat of embarrassment rise in my cheeks.· Her shift vanished in one swift movement, but in her husband's arms she felt no embarrassment.
· Harry nearly jumped back in surprise and flushed instantly in embarrassment at the distaste his flinching movement had signalled.· I flew back to the field flushed with embarrassment.· He flushed with embarrassment and turned away.· The thought made him flush hot with embarrassment even though chilled to the marrow.· Elisabeth wrung her hands, still flushing with embarrassment, hoping David would forgive her.
· Even now they talk among themselves to hide their embarrassment.· We hide our heads in embarrassment.· She concentrated on her drink to hide her embarrassment, deciding that whisky was all right.
· The odd detail, however, can prove an embarrassment.· The choice of documents proved an embarrassment to the prosecutors, however.· However, his membership of the team could prove an embarrassment to the Government, which is subsidising his bid attempt.
· It may be of most value for occasional use, in known responders, to save embarrassment when sleeping away from home.· Molinari now explains that she panicked at the question and wanted to save her family from embarrassment.· Mr Noyes will claim the MoD said nothing about the alleged landing because it wanted to save any embarrassment.· It was made to save the Government some embarrassment.· His one-man show yesterday failed to prevent the Hammers moving to fourth in the First Division but it saved Pompey from embarrassment.· You've saved me the embarrassment of having to turn you in!
· He collects it from the door when it arrives to spare her the embarrassment of being seen by the boy.· Meredith was relieved to be spared the embarrassment of unavoidable eavesdropping.
· Angry Jemson suffered the embarrassment of coming on as substitute and then being substituted himself at Carrow Road.· Then I worried that he would end up in the wrong homeroom and suffer some embarrassment for such inattention.· They eventually suffered from an embarrassment of riches: they laughingly killed all their enemies and created their worst nightmare.
PHRASES FROM THE ENTRYPHRASES FROM OTHER ENTRIES► die of embarrassment/shame► a flush of anger/embarrassment/excitement etc
- Again, professional financial advice on the advantages and disadvantages of this form of borrowing seems a sensible precaution against financial embarrassment.
- As a rule, financial embarrassment leaves most of us with no choice but to run with the crowd.
- Even before the war, the Vatican found itself in constant financial embarrassment.
- In July 1627 Buckingham embarked upon his ill-fated expedition, which still further increased Charles I's financial embarrassments.
- I look forward to having the letter you wrote tonight before you called-altogether an embarrassment of riches!
- If there is not quite an embarrassment of riches, there is enough to make the small investor blush at the choice.
- The Prado's problem is an embarrassment of riches, with nowhere to put most of them.
- They eventually suffered from an embarrassment of riches: they laughingly killed all their enemies and created their worst nightmare.
- We have an embarrassment of riches here!
- A week later, much to my surprise, I was told my order must be changed.
- And much to everyone's surprise he won it.
- And he was still sober, much to her surprise.
- But he has written a steamy thriller, much to the surprise of his conservative minions.
- Pitsligo died there in 1767, head, much to his surprise, still firmly attached to his unrepentant shoulders.
- So now he is clubbed to death instead, much to the surprise of the audience.
- Those questions were asked in front of a packed gymnasium, much to the Surprise of the state officials who attended.
WORD FAMILYadjectiveembarrassedembarrassingnounembarrassmentverbembarrassadverbembarrassingly
1[uncountable] the feeling you have when you are embarrassedembarrassment at She suffered extreme embarrassment at not knowing how to read. He could not hide his embarrassment at his children’s rudeness.to somebody’s embarrassment To her embarrassment, she couldn’t remember his name.2[countable] an event that causes a government, political organization etc problems, and makes it look badembarrassment to/for The allegations have been an acute embarrassment (=serious and severe embarrassment) to the prime minister. The scandal was a further source of embarrassment to the government.3[countable] someone who behaves in a way that makes you feel ashamed, nervous, or uncomfortableembarrassment to Tim’s drinking has made him an embarrassment to the whole family.4financial embarrassment debts or a lack of money that causes problems for you5an embarrassment of riches so many good things that it is difficult to decide which one you wantCOLLOCATIONS– Meaning 1adjectivesgreat embarrassment· To my great embarrassment, my dad started dancing.severe/extreme embarrassment· This scandal could cause severe embarrassment to the government.considerable embarrassment (=quite strong)· His behaviour was a source of considerable embarrassment to his family.acute embarrassment (=very strong and not lasting very long)· There was a moment of acute embarrassment when we realized people were watching.further embarrassment (=extra or additional)· His resignation should save the government any further embarrassment.potential embarrassment (=possible)· By dropping out of the competition, he was spared the potential embarrassment of losing.obvious embarrassment (=clear for other people to see)· He shuffled his feet around in obvious embarrassment.verbscause embarrassment· Some of his jokes caused embarrassment to the older members of the audience.avoid embarrassment· This solution could help both countries avoid embarrassment.hide your embarrassment· She started laughing in an attempt to hide her embarrassment.phrasesa source of embarrassment (=a cause of embarrassment)· His views on immigration were a constant source of embarrassment to the party.COLLOCATIONS– Meaning 2verbsbe/become an embarrassment· Your behaviour is becoming an embarrassment to the school.be considered an embarrassment (=be thought of as embarrassing)· He may be popular abroad, but he's considered an embarrassment at home.prove an embarrassment (=be an embarrassment)· The publication of the documents proved a severe embarrassment to the company.adjectivesa big/severe embarrassment· This failure was a severe embarrassment to the government.a huge embarrassment (=very big or severe)· If the story is true, it could prove a huge embarrassment to the star.a serious/major embarrassment (=severe and important)· This episode has been a serious embarrassment for the club.an acute embarrassment (=extremely severe and important)· Her memoirs were an acute embarrassment to the president.a considerable embarrassment (=quite severe)· The photograph was a considerable embarrassment to the royal family.