What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
awkward
Example
I felt awkward when I accidentally spilled my drink on the table. [awkward: adjective]
Example
He tripped and fell, making an awkward entrance into the room. [awkward: adjective]
embarrassing
Example
It was embarrassing when I forgot my lines during the school play. [embarrassing: adjective]
Example
She felt embarrassed when her phone rang loudly in the quiet library. [embarrassed: verb]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Awkward is more commonly used than embarrassing in everyday language. Awkward can be used in various contexts to describe uncomfortable situations, while embarrassing is more specific to situations that cause embarrassment.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between awkward and embarrassing?
Both awkward and embarrassing can be used in both formal and informal contexts. However, awkward is generally considered more neutral and versatile, while embarrassing may carry a slightly more informal or personal connotation.
