Clumsiness: meaning, definitions and examples

Used when referring to someone’s lack of physical coordination or when someone is prone to stumbling or accidents.

• Her clumsiness was evident when she tripped over the same step twice
• The child’s clumsiness led to a broken vase

Applied in social situations where someone feels uncomfortable, unsure, or out of place. It can also refer to physical awkwardness, but is more commonly used socially.

• There was an awkwardness in the room after his inappropriate joke
• She felt a sense of awkwardness meeting her ex at the party

Best used when describing someone’s lack of skill or competence, especially in a professional or technical setting. This term often has a negative connotation.

• His ineptitude at the job was apparent from the poorly done reports
• The team's ineptitude resulted in a failed project

Refers to a lack of elegance or smoothness in movement. This term often describes physical actions and is not used for social situations.

• Her ungracefulness on the dance floor made everyone smile
• Despite his charm, his ungracefulness was evident in every step