Awkward: meaning, definitions and examples
😬
awkward
[ ˈɔːkwərd ]
social interaction
Lacking skill or dexterity in using one's hands. Not graceful.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
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.
|
clumsy |
This word is used for someone or something that lacks physical coordination or is prone to accidents and mistakes.
|
ungainly |
This word is used to describe something or someone that moves in an awkward or ungraceful way.
|
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.
|
Examples of usage
- She felt awkward holding the chopsticks for the first time.
- His awkward attempt at dancing drew some laughs from the crowd.
social situation
Causing or feeling embarrassment or inconvenience. Uncomfortable.
Synonyms
embarrassing, uncomfortable, unpleasant.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
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.
|
uncomfortable |
Refers to physical or emotional discomfort, where a person feels uneasy or distressed. Can apply to both physical sensations and social scenarios.
|
embarrassing |
Used when something causes one to feel self-conscious, ashamed, or humiliated. Describes situations that make people wish they could just disappear.
|
unpleasant |
Describes anything that is not enjoyable, often causing discomfort, annoyance, or irritation. Can be used for situations, tastes, smells, experiences, etc.
|
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
Translations of the word "awkward" in other languages:
🇵🇹 desajeitado
- embaraçoso
- estranho
🇮🇳 अजीब
- असहज
- बेढंगा
🇩🇪 unbeholfen
- peinlich
- unangenehm
🇮🇩 canggung
- kikuk
- aneh
🇺🇦 незграбний
- незручний
- дивний
🇵🇱 niezgrabny
- niezręczny
- dziwny
🇯🇵 ぎこちない
- 不器用な
- 変な
🇫🇷 maladroit
- gênant
- étrange
🇪🇸 torpe
- incómodo
- extraño
🇹🇷 beceriksiz
- utandırıcı
- garip
🇰🇷 어색한
- 서투른
- 이상한
🇸🇦 أخرق
- محرج
- غريب
🇨🇿 nemotorný
- trapný
- podivný
🇸🇰 nemotorný
- trápny
- čudný
🇨🇳 笨拙的
- 尴尬的
- 奇怪的
🇸🇮 neroden
- neroden
- čuden
🇮🇸 klaufalegur
- óþægilegur
- undarlegur
🇰🇿 икемсіз
- ыңғайсыз
- оғаш
🇬🇪 უხერხული
- მოუხერხებელი
- უცნაური
🇦🇿 bacarıqsız
- narahat
- qəribə
🇲🇽 torpe
- incómodo
- extraño
Etymology
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.
- ...
- 7514 questionable
- 7515 hose
- 7516 inspect
- 7517 awkward
- 7518 journalists
- 7519 foreman
- 7520 recorder
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