In this post, we explain how to describe embarrassment in a story using 10 words as a basis. Read on!
1. Ashamed
Definition
To feel guilty or embarrassed because of your actions or appearance.
Examples
“Ellie felt ashamed when her family realized she had eaten all of the pizza. She didn’t know they also wanted to eat.”
“You should feel ashamed of yourself! That was an embarrassing mistake.”
How it Adds Description
You can use the word “ashamed” to show a character’s guilt and embarrassment due to their actions. “Ashamed” can also describe embarrassment that stems from their appearance, which is likely to occur if other characters make fun of how they look. If a character is “ashamed,” they will also likely feel upset or down due to the guilt they feel. This might cause other characters to console them.
2. Uncomfortable
Definition
Someone who is slightly worried, embarrassed, or not confident.
Examples
“Robert nervously shuffled after the embarrassing comments. It was clear he was uncomfortable in the situation.”
“The beggar was uncomfortable asking others for money. But he had to find enough money to buy a hot meal.”
How it Adds Description
If you want to show a character’s discomfort due to embarrassing events, “uncomfortable” is an excellent word. If a character is “uncomfortable,” they might become agitated and show their embarrassment through physical actions — such as looking down or tapping their leg.
3. Awkward
Definition
Something that’s embarrassing and challenging to deal with.
Examples
“The boy always felt awkward around new people, but he didn’t know why.”
“It was the first day of term, and the teacher tried her best to remove any awkwardness for her pupils.”
How it Adds Description
Sometimes, embarrassing situations leave people feeling “awkward” because they’re embarrassed and don’t know how to deal with the events. You can use “awkward” to show a character isn’t sure how to navigate relationships or situations, and this may lead to the people around them either helping them or teasing them about their embarrassment.
4. Humiliated
Definition
Something that makes you feel stupid, ashamed, and embarrassed.
Examples
“Emily was humiliated when she tripped over in front of the entire office. She knew she’d never live it down.”
“His goal was to humiliate his enemies. However, first, he needed to learn their deepest secrets.”
How it Adds Description
“Humiliated” describes how a character feels when they’re embarrassed and insecure. This feeling could occur after someone makes fun of them, reveals their secrets, or simply belittles them. Characters and antagonists with a spiteful nature may try to get revenge on people who “humiliate” them as payback.
5. Blushed
Definition
When someone’s face becomes red due to embarrassment or shame.
Examples
“The princess blushed when the prince asked for her hand. It was a dream come true.”
“Marylin blushed when the jet of air lifted her dress. She quickly pushed it back down.”
How it Adds Description
You can show your character’s physical reactions to embarrassment via “blushed.” This shows their cheeks are reddened in response to the incident, and they will likely also become shy or quiet. Other characters may try to point out a character’s “blush” in an attempt to make them even more embarrassed.
6. Self-Conscious
Definition
When someone is nervous or easily embarrassed about their appearance or actions.
Examples
“Jenny knew her youngest son was extremely self-conscious, but she didn’t expect tears after she took a photo of him.”
“The self-conscious man always avoided mirrors. Seeing his appearance often ruined his day.”
How it Adds Description
If your character experiences a deep embarrassment of their appearance or personality, they are likely “self-conscious.” This could cause them to be very shy and nervous around others, and they might avoid social contact altogether, leaving them isolated.
7. Mortified
Definition
Someone who is extremely offended, embarrassed, or ashamed.
Examples
“The woman was mortified after her neighbors saw her naked. She couldn’t sleep all night due to her shame.”
“I’d be mortified if I fell over at the graduation ceremony.”
How it Adds Description
“Mortified” describes when embarrassment crosses over into shame and even offense. A character who is “mortified” is extremely embarrassed, to the point they might become angry or defensive if anyone else makes fun of them or talks about the embarrassing event. This behavior is more likely in irritable characters.
8. Sheepish
Definition
Someone who looks slightly embarrassed because they feel silly or foolish.
Examples
“The young girl sheepishly looked at her mother after she knocked over the yogurt pot.”
“John felt sheepish around his crush. He never knew what to say, where to look, or how to stand.”
How it Adds Description
Not all embarrassment is extreme or anger-inducing, and “sheepish” describes a more low-key type of embarrassment. Characters are more likely to feel “sheepish” after minor mistakes or silly accidents, and their “sheepishness” could be accompanied by innocent giggles or an apologetic smile.
9. Cringe
Definition
To feel disgusted or embarrassed about something.
Examples
“The teenagers found their parent’s affections cringe, but one day they’d grow up and appreciate the love.”
“Though the photoshoot made Maddy cringe, she was impressed with the final photos.”
How it Adds Description
“Cringe” shows a character is embarrassed to the point of disgust, and this can be due to an event or someone’s actions. When a character “cringes,” they might be judging other people because they think their ideas aren’t as good as their own. A character who “cringes” might also secretly be insecure, and they might “cringe” at behaviors that remind them of their own.
10. Flustered
Definition
To be in a state of confusion or agitation due to embarrassment.
Examples
“The elderly women were left flustered after the young man swore.”
“Henry was completely flustered after dropping the tray of glasses. He couldn’t hide his embarrassment from the guests.”
How it Adds Description
You can show a character’s agitated response to embarrassment through “flustered.” When “flustered,” characters might have a hard time trying to remain calm, and this could cause them to make more mistakes and become even more embarrassed. “Flustered” characters may need to remove themselves from the situation to regain their composure. Being “flustered” may also draw lots of attention toward them as they’re making a scene.