-smənt noun
( -s )
Etymology: French embarrassement, from embarrasser + -ment
1.
a. : the state of being embarrassed : perplexity : confusion or discomposure of mind
his embarrassment when he dropped the cake in his lap was pitiful to see
the embarrassment of dull minds faced by the complexities of modern life
often : difficulty or perplexity arising from the want of money to pay debts
financial embarrassment was chronic in our family
b. : difficulty in functioning as a result of disease
cardiac embarrassment
respiratory embarrassment
2.
a. : something that embarrasses : impediment , encumbrance
a shrill harsh voice is a serious embarrassment in business and social life
b. : an excessive quantity from which a selection must be made
an embarrassment of choice things to see — New York Times
— used especially in the phrase embarrassment of riches
an age that builds whole libraries to house the papers of presidents, an embarrassment of riches — Leon Edel
the unprejudiced observer would have some difficulty saying just which details might best be dropped, so many wryly devastating moments crop up at every turn — a real embarrassment of riches — Saturday Review