Collocations for "embarrassing"
Common phrases and expressions where native English speakers use the word "embarrassing" in context.
WordReference English Collocations © 2026
embarrassing
ⓘMost examples are given in US English. We have labeled exceptions as UK.adj
- an embarrassing [odor, sound, photo, situation, mistake]
- an embarrassing [own goal, comment, answer]
- embarrassing [revelations, leaks, articles] (about)
- the [day, presentation] had its embarrassing moments
- was (just) so embarrassing to [see, watch, read, hear, be present]
- (too) embarrassing to [admit, recognize, say]
- embarrassing and [uncomfortable, humiliating, frustrating]
- well that was (a little) embarrassing!
- could be potentially embarrassing
- how embarrassing!
- it is a bit embarrassing to admit, but
- it was embarrassing when
- an embarrassing and [cringeworthy, pathetic] attempt
- is asking embarrassing questions
- is asking questions that could be embarrassing
- the [sex, date] was a little embarrassing
- avoid embarrassing [situations, mistakes, errors]
- suffers from an embarrassing [condition, complaint, illness]
WordReference English Collocations © 2026
embarrass
ⓘMost examples are given in US English. We have labeled exceptions as UK.v
- embarrassed [her, himself, their friend, the teacher, her parents]
- his [actions, poor singing, behavior] embarrassed them
- embarrassed him by [making, saying, doing, telling]
- don't embarrass me (in front of my friends)
- were embarrassed by his [crying]
- stop embarrassing yourself
- embarrassed myself by [singing, trying]
- embarrassed themselves [by, when, with]
- the [results, findings, comments] have embarrassed the [government]
- the [results] have embarrassed the [firm, company, team]
'embarrassing' also found in these entries (note: many are not synonyms or translations):