Embarrassed is an adjective used to describe a feeling of self-consciousness, awkwardness, or mild shame, usually triggered by a social situation, error, or unwanted attention.
A person is *embarrassed* when they feel uncomfortable or awkward, typically because they believe others are judging them or because they've made a mistake.
“The junior resident looked embarrassed after misidentifying the anatomical structure.”
“She felt embarrassed when she realized her slide had the wrong patient data.”
“The patient became embarrassed when asked about urinary incontinence.”
| Term | Description |
|---|---|
| Ashamed | Stronger form of embarrassment, often tied to guilt or moral judgment |
| Self-conscious | Feeling overly aware of how one is perceived by others |
| Flustered | Embarrassed + confused or anxious |
| Humiliated | Severe embarrassment, often involving public shame |
“He was embarrassed to admit he didn’t know the next step.”“Don’t be embarrassed—asking questions is encouraged here.”“She smiled awkwardly, clearly embarrassed by the attention.”Creating a psychologically safe environment in neurosurgical training reduces embarrassment and encourages open dialogue—crucial for learning and patient safety.