Definition

In a way that causes someone to feel awkward or ashamed.

Example

She laughed embarrassingly when she tripped on stage.

Conversation

I can’t believe I tripped in front of everyone at the party.

Oh no, that sounds embarrassingly awkward!

Yeah, I felt so humiliated afterward.

Don’t worry, it happens to the best of us.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Embarrassingly → It is formed from "embarrass" (from Spanish *embarazar*, meaning to hinder or obstruct) and the suffix "-ingly" (meaning in a manner of). The word "embarrassingly" means in a manner that causes hindrance or discomfort, often in a social context.

Memory Tip

Think of feeling hindered or obstructed ('embarrass') in a social situation, and the '-ingly' shows how that feeling is expressed.

Visually Confused Words