The trick: keep RR + SS together
The correct spelling is embarrass: E-M-B-A-RR-A-SS. Most mistakes drop one letter and become embarass or embarras.
Mnemonic:
Two Red cheeks, Sweaty Smile = RR + SS in embarrass.
When you're embarrassed, your cheeks go red and you get sweaty. That image locks in both doubles.
embarass
missing one R
embarras
missing one S
embaras
missing one R + one S
embaress
wrong middle vowel
Practice in real sentences
I didn't mean to embarrass you in front of the class.
Loud phone ringtones can embarrass kids during a test.
He told a joke to embarrass his older brother.
Teachers try to correct mistakes without making students feel embarrassed.
Spot the correct spelling
embarass
embarrass
embarras
embaress
Related words that reinforce this pattern
Next, read How to Spell Occurrence, How to Spell Accommodate, and How to Spell Unnecessary.
FAQ
What is the correct spelling of embarrass?
Embarrass: E-M-B-A-R-R-A-S-S.
Why is embarrass hard to spell?
Because you hear one flowing sound, but the spelling needs two doubled consonants: RR and SS.
What's a trick to remember how to spell embarrass?
Use “Two Red cheeks, Sweaty Smile.” Red = RR, sweaty smile = SS.