Mortifying Meaning in English

word · lemma: mortify

US

UK

Definition

Causing someone to feel extremely embarrassed, ashamed, or humiliated.

Usage & Nuances

"Mortifying" is formal and stronger than just "embarrassing"—used for situations that deeply hurt pride or dignity. Often used about public mistakes, accidents, or personal failures. Common with 'experience', 'moment', or 'silence'. Not usually used in casual speech; 'embarrassing' or 'humiliating' are more common in conversation.

• Spanish: vergonzoso - humillante
• Portuguese (BR): humilhante - embaraçoso
• Portuguese (PT): humilhante - embaraçoso
• Chinese (Simplified): 令人羞愧的 - 令人尴尬的
• Chinese (Traditional): 令人羞愧的 - 令人尷尬的
• Hindi: बेहद शर्मनाक - अपमानजनक
• Arabic: محبط للغاية - مهين
• Bengali: লজ্জাজনক - অপমানজনক
• Russian: унизительный - крайне неловкий
• Japanese: 屈辱的 - 恥ずかしい（度合いが強い）
• Vietnamese: bẽ mặt - nhục nhã
• Korean: 굴욕적인 - 몹시 창피한
• Turkish: aşağılayıcı - utanç verici (ağır)
• Urdu: باعث شرمندگی - رسوا کن
• Indonesian: memalukan sekali - sangat mempermalukan

Example Sentences

It was mortifying when I forgot my speech in front of everyone.

basic

A mortifying mistake made him want to leave the room.

basic

She found it mortifying when her mom started showing baby photos to her friends.

natural

The photos were so mortifying that she deleted them immediately.

basic

That silent pause after my joke was absolutely mortifying.

natural

Honestly, tripping on stage was the most mortifying thing that ever happened to me.

natural