Embarrassed vs. Embarrassing — What's the Difference?
Edited by Tayyaba Rehman — By Urooj Arif — Updated on May 3, 2024
Embarrassed refers to the feeling of self-conscious discomfort, whereas embarrassing describes situations or actions that cause this feeling.
Difference Between Embarrassed and Embarrassing
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Embarrassed is a state of feeling awkward, ashamed, or self-conscious due to a particular situation, while embarrassing refers to the nature of an action, event, or circumstance that induces these feelings in someone.
Embarrassed typically describes a person's emotional response to an external stimulus, whereas embarrassing characterizes the stimulus itself that provokes such a response.
Embarrassed is used to express how individuals react internally to situations perceived as humiliating, while embarrassing is applied to those situations or actions themselves that are likely to be viewed negatively by others.
Embarrassed can result from both intentional and unintentional actions by oneself or others, whereas embarrassing often describes actions that are awkward or inappropriate, regardless of intent.
Embarrassed captures a personal experience, reflecting an individual's subjective interpretation of an event, while embarrassing is more objective, referring to the quality of the event itself that is generally recognized as awkward.
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Comparison Chart
Part of Speech
Adjective (describes a feeling)
Adjective (describes an attribute of a situation)
Focus
On the individual experiencing the feeling
On the situation causing the feeling
Usage in a Sentence
"She felt embarrassed by her mistake."
"It was an embarrassing mistake."
Relation to Emotion
Directly linked to personal emotions
Linked to the potential emotional impact on others
Implication for Self
Implies a personal reaction to external or internal factors
Implies a quality inherent to actions or events
Compare with Definitions
Embarrassed
Self-conscious due to awkward situations.
He felt embarrassed speaking in front of the large crowd.
Embarrassing
Related to a faux pas or breach of etiquette.
Wearing the wrong attire to a formal event is embarrassing.
Embarrassed
Reaction to breach of social norms.
He was embarrassed by his loud outburst during the meeting.
Embarrassing
Causing embarrassment or discomfort.
Tripping in public is embarrassing.
Embarrassed
Feeling discomfort from potential ridicule.
She was embarrassed after tripping in the hallway.
Embarrassing
Associated with humiliation or shame.
He recounted an embarrassing story from his youth.
Embarrassed
Discomfort caused by something private made public.
She was embarrassed when her journal was read aloud.
Embarrassing
Awkward or socially uncomfortable.
An embarrassing silence filled the room.
Embarrassed
Ashamed or humiliated.
They were embarrassed about the errors in their report.
Embarrassing
Likely to expose someone to ridicule.
Forgetting someone's name can be embarrassing.
Embarrassed
To hinder with obstacles or difficulties; impede
"an ambitious raid meant to embarrass his supply line by burning the bridges" (William Marvel).
Embarrassing
To hinder with obstacles or difficulties; impede
"an ambitious raid meant to embarrass his supply line by burning the bridges" (William Marvel).
Embarrassed
(Archaic) To involve in or hamper with financial difficulties
The company was embarrassed and had to mortgage its properties.
Embarrassing
(Archaic) To involve in or hamper with financial difficulties
The company was embarrassed and had to mortgage its properties.
Embarrassed
Having a feeling of shameful discomfort.
After returning from the pool, Aleshia felt significantly better, though she was still slightly embarrassed.
Embarrassing
Present participle of embarrass
Embarrassed
(archaic) Impeded; obstructed.
Embarrassing
The action of the verb to embarrass; embarrassment.
Embarrassed
Simple past tense and past participle of embarrass
Embarrassing
Causing embarrassment; leading to a feeling of uncomfortable shame or self-consciousness.
Embarrassed
Feeling uneasily or unpleasantly self-conscious due to some event or circumstance; as, she was embarrassed by her child's tantrums.
Embarrassing
Hard to deal with; as, greeted with an embarrassing silence.
Embarrassed
Feeling inferior or unworthy and hence unpleasantly self-conscious; as, too embarrassed to say hello to his drunken father on the street.
Embarrassing
Causing to feel shame or chagrin or vexation.
Embarrassed
Feeling or caused to feel uneasy and self-conscious;
Felt abashed at the extravagant praise
Chagrined at the poor sales of his book
Was embarrassed by her child's tantrums
Embarrassing
Hard to deal with; especially causing pain or embarrassment;
Awkward (or embarrassing or difficult) moments in the discussion
An awkward pause followed his remark
A sticky question
In the unenviable position of resorting to an act he had planned to save for the climax of the campaign
Embarrassed
Made to feel uncomfortable because of shame or wounded pride;
Too embarrassed to say hello to his drunken father on the street
Humiliated that his wife had to go out to work
Felt mortified by the comparison with her sister
Embarrassing
Causing to feel shame or chagrin or vexation;
The embarrassing moment when she found her petticoat down around her ankles
It was mortifying to know he had heard every word
Common Curiosities
How can an event be considered embarrassing if nobody is embarrassed by it?
An event can be considered embarrassing based on societal standards of appropriateness, even if it doesn't currently embarrass someone.
What types of situations are typically embarrassing?
Situations that involve public mistakes, social faux pas, or personal secrets being exposed are typically embarrassing.
What does it mean to feel embarrassed?
Feeling embarrassed means experiencing discomfort or shame in awkward or humiliating situations.
Can someone feel embarrassed even if others are not around?
Yes, one can feel embarrassed even in solitude, especially reflecting on past actions or mishaps.
Is it possible to prevent feeling embarrassed?
While it's not always possible to avoid embarrassment, being prepared, practicing self-acceptance, and having a sense of humor can help manage the feeling.
Are there any techniques to help someone handle being embarrassed?
Techniques include deep breathing, reframing the situation more positively, and focusing on the learning experience rather than the embarrassment.
Is embarrassment a universal feeling?
While the triggers might vary, embarrassment is a universal human emotion experienced across different cultures.
What are common physical signs of feeling embarrassed?
Common signs include blushing, avoiding eye contact, nervous laughter, or fidgeting.
How do different cultures perceive embarrassment?
Different cultures may have varying thresholds and triggers for embarrassment, reflecting their unique social norms and values.
What role does embarrassment play in social interactions?
Embarrassment can act as a social regulator, helping individuals conform to social norms and repair social bonds after gaffes.
Can animals feel embarrassed?
There's no conclusive evidence that animals experience embarrassment as humans do, though some pet owners observe behaviors that might suggest a form of self-awareness or shyness.
What are some examples of embarrassing situations in professional settings?
Examples include forgetting important details during a presentation, having a wardrobe malfunction, or accidentally sending an inappropriate email to colleagues.
How can one recover quickly from an embarrassing situation?
Acknowledging the situation, apologizing if necessary, and using humor can help diffuse the discomfort of an embarrassing moment.
How does the intensity of embarrassment change with age?
Children and teenagers often feel embarrassment more intensely, but as people age, they typically develop more resilience to such feelings.
Can embarrassment have positive effects?
Yes, experiencing and displaying embarrassment can signal remorse or humility, which can strengthen social bonds and increase trust.
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Written by
Urooj ArifUrooj is a skilled content writer at Ask Difference, known for her exceptional ability to simplify complex topics into engaging and informative content. With a passion for research and a flair for clear, concise writing, she consistently delivers articles that resonate with our diverse audience.
Edited by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
