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Awkward Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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awkward

[หˆษ”หkwษ™rd ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Adjective

social interaction

Lacking skill or dexterity in using one's hands. Not graceful.

Synonyms

clumsy, inept, ungainly.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
awkward

This word is used to describe situations or actions that are uncomfortable or difficult, often due to social or physical reasons.

  • The silence after his comment made the dinner conversation very awkward
  • The design of the room made it awkward to move around
clumsy

This word is used for someone or something that lacks physical coordination or is prone to accidents and mistakes.

  • He is so clumsy that he often trips over his own feet
  • She made a clumsy attempt to apologize, only making things worse
ungainly

This word is used to describe something or someone that moves in an awkward or ungraceful way.

  • The tall, ungainly teenager struggled to fit into the small car
  • Her ungainly movements on the dance floor were hard to watch
inept

This word is used to describe a person who is incompetent or lacks skill in a specific area, and it often has a negative connotation.

  • His inept handling of the situation caused more problems than it solved
  • The new intern is quite inept with basic office tasks

Examples of usage

  • She felt awkward holding the chopsticks for the first time.
  • His awkward attempt at dancing drew some laughs from the crowd.
Context #2 | Adjective

social situation

Causing or feeling embarrassment or inconvenience. Uncomfortable.

Synonyms

embarrassing, uncomfortable, unpleasant.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
awkward

Describes situations or people that are clumsy, uneasy, or lacking grace. Common in social scenarios where interactions don't go smoothly.

  • It was quite awkward when no one knew what to say after the presentation.
  • He's awkward at social gatherings and doesn't know how to start a conversation.
uncomfortable

Refers to physical or emotional discomfort, where a person feels uneasy or distressed. Can apply to both physical sensations and social scenarios.

  • The chair was so uncomfortable that I couldn't sit still.
  • The discussion about politics made him feel uncomfortable and he wanted to leave.
embarrassing

Used when something causes one to feel self-conscious, ashamed, or humiliated. Describes situations that make people wish they could just disappear.

  • Forgetting my lines on stage was so embarrassing.
  • It's embarrassing to realize that I've been mispronouncing her name for years.
unpleasant

Describes anything that is not enjoyable, often causing discomfort, annoyance, or irritation. Can be used for situations, tastes, smells, experiences, etc.

  • The smell from the garbage was extremely unpleasant.
  • It was an unpleasant experience when they lost our luggage at the airport.

Examples of usage

  • The awkward silence that followed her question made everyone uncomfortable.
  • It was an awkward situation when they ran into their ex at the party.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Psychology

  • Feeling awkward often stems from social anxiety; people might worry about being judged or making mistakes.
  • Certain body language, like avoiding eye contact, can make a person appear more awkward in social settings.
  • Research shows that most people have experienced awkward moments, reinforcing the idea that it's a common human experience.

Pop Culture

  • Many television shows and movies feature awkward moments as a source of humor, such as characters fumbling in social situations.
  • The 'Awkward' TV series, which premiered in 2011, explores teenage awkwardness and the trials of growing up.
  • Memes often capture awkward scenarios, turning these relatable experiences into shareable moments on social media.

Literature

  • Authors like Jane Austen often depicted awkward social interactions, highlighting the complexities of human relationships.
  • In contemporary literature, awkwardness is used to develop character depth, making protagonists more relatable and real.
  • Poetry sometimes uses 'awkward' to explore feelings of isolation and discomfort in oneโ€™s own skin.

Education

  • Teaching social skills in schools helps children navigate awkward situations, improving their confidence.
  • Role-playing exercises in classrooms often simulate awkward social encounters to prepare students for real-life interactions.
  • Awkwardness can also be a topic in counseling sessions, helping individuals understand their feelings and communicate better.

Origin of 'awkward'

Main points about word origin

  • The word comes from the Middle English 'awkeward,' meaning 'backward' or 'unfavorable,' reflecting its original sense of being out of place.
  • In Old Norse, 'awkward' was related to 'aukvard,' which meant 'turning away' or 'clumsy.'
  • Historically, it also had meanings related to misfortune and being inept in social situations.

The word 'awkward' originated in Middle English from the Old Norse 'afugr' meaning 'turned the wrong way'. It first appeared in the English language in the 14th century. Over time, its meaning evolved to describe situations or actions that are clumsy, uncomfortable, or embarrassing.

Word Frequency Rank

Position #7,517 indicates this is an advanced-level word. While not essential for basic communication, it will enhance your ability to understand and create more nuanced content.