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Awkwardness Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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awkwardness

[ˈɔːkwərdnəs ]

Definition

Context #1 | Noun

social interaction

The quality of being awkward; clumsiness or uncoordinated movement. Awkwardness can also refer to a sense of discomfort or embarrassment in social situations.

Synonyms

clumsiness, embarrassment, ineptitude.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
awkwardness

Used to describe a situation or feeling that is uncomfortable or difficult to handle, often socially.

  • There was a moment of awkwardness when nobody knew what to say next.
  • He tried to hide his awkwardness during the interview, but it was obvious.
clumsiness

Refers to a lack of physical coordination or grace, often leading to accidents or mishaps.

  • Her clumsiness was evident when she accidentally knocked over the vase.
  • Despite his clumsiness, he managed to finish the task without any major issues.
ineptitude

Used to describe a lack of skill, competence, or ability in a specific area, often negatively.

  • His ineptitude in managing the project led to its failure.
  • The team's ineptitude was apparent during the game, and they lost badly.
embarrassment

Describes a feeling of self-consciousness or shame in front of others, often from a social mishap or mistake.

  • She felt a deep embarrassment after tripping on stage.
  • His embarrassment was clear when his mistake was pointed out in front of the class.

Examples of usage

  • She felt a wave of awkwardness when she realized she had forgotten his name.
  • His awkwardness was evident in the way he tripped over his own feet.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Psychology

  • Research indicates that feelings of awkwardness can lead to social anxiety, where individuals fear judgment in social situations.
  • Awkward moments often arise in social settings where expectations are unclear, causing people to feel out of place.
  • Coping strategies for awkwardness include humor, which can help alleviate tension and create a more relaxed atmosphere.

Pop Culture

  • The TV show 'The Office' creatively showcases awkwardness through character interactions, highlighting how discomfort can lead to humor.
  • Memes and social media often depict awkward moments, resonating with many people who have experienced similar situations.
  • Films like 'Easy A' and 'Mean Girls' explore teenage awkwardness, shedding light on the relatable struggles of growing up.

Literature

  • Authors like J.D. Salinger, in works like 'The Catcher in the Rye', capture the essence of awkwardness in adolescence and social interactions.
  • Poets often use awkwardness as a theme to explore the complexities of human relationships and personal identity.
  • The genre of coming-of-age literature frequently centers around characters experiencing awkward phases while searching for their place in the world.

Communication

  • Studies show that awkwardness can be a social signal, prompting individuals to reassess their interactions.
  • Body language plays a significant role in conveying awkwardness, where stumbles in movement and eye contact can heighten feelings.
  • Verbal communication, including filler words like 'um' and 'uh', often increases during awkward moments as people search for the right thing to say.

Origin of 'awkwardness'

Main points about word origin

  • The word 'awkward' comes from an Old Norse term 'afugr', meaning 'backhanded' or 'wrong'.
  • The suffix '-ness' is used to turn an adjective into a noun, adding a sense of state or quality.
  • The concept of awkwardness has been around since the 14th century, showing how long people have felt this way.

The word 'awkwardness' originated from the Middle English word 'awkward,' which meant 'in the wrong direction.' Over time, it evolved to encompass the idea of clumsiness or discomfort in social situations. Awkwardness is a common human experience, often associated with feelings of self-consciousness and unease in various interactions.

See also: awkwardly.

Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #20,075, this word is part of extensive vocabulary. It's relatively rare in general usage but may be important in specific fields or formal writing.