Definition, Meaning & Synonyms

embarrassment-of-riches

phrase

/ɛmˈbɛrəsˌmɛnt əv ˈrɪtʃɪz/

Definition

A situation in which someone has too many options or resources, leading to difficulty in making a choice or decision.

Examples

Feeling an embarrassment of riches, she couldn’t decide which vacation to take.
With so many job offers, he experienced an embarrassment of riches when making his final decision.
The buffet was an embarrassment of riches, with dishes from every cuisine imaginable.

Meaning

It refers to the overwhelming feeling or situation that someone experiences when faced with an abundance of choices, particularly in a positive context where there are numerous good alternatives.