1 [noncount] : the state of feeling foolish in front of others
▪ She couldn't hide her embarrassment. ▪ Much to my embarrassment, I realized that I had forgotten his name. [=I was very embarrassed when I realized that I had forgotten his name] 2 [count] : something or someone that causes a person or group to look or feel foolish
▪ The scandal was a major embarrassment for the government. ▪ He's an embarrassment to his family. 3 [count] : a very large number of things from which to choose — usually singular — + of ▪ We have an embarrassment of choices/options. [=we have a very large number of choices/options] ▪ With so many fine restaurants in the city, diners are faced with an embarrassment of riches. [=there are so many fine restaurants that it is difficult to choose one]
▪ She couldn't hide her embarrassment. ▪ Much to my embarrassment, I realized that I had forgotten his name. [=I was very embarrassed when I realized that I had forgotten his name]
▪ The scandal was a major embarrassment for the government. ▪ He's an embarrassment to his family.




