If something is embarrassing, it is nearly always something you wish had not happened. In most cases, it involves other people who can make you feel uncomfortable or humiliated. "I was embarrassed when I forgot to zip up my pants." If something is awkward, it is usually something that either could have been done better, or will get better with practice. Something can be awkward even when you are by yourself. "I usually feel awkward the first time I try to do something I have not done before."

Embarrassed is a feeling that people can have, and that is the only way it is used. Awkward can describe the way people feel, but can also describe an event or a situation. You can say "I felt embarrassed" or "I felt awkward", but you can also say "it was an awkward conversation". Hope this helps!

Awkward is something you or a situation can be. If you're on a date and, you and your date can't find anything to talk about, that's awkward. Embarrassed is a feeling. If you're at work and your pants fall down that's embarrassing, then you probably feel embarrassed and going to work will be awkward for a while.