Clumsiness Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
๐คน
clumsiness
[หklสmziหnษs ]
Definition
physical coordination
Clumsiness refers to the quality of lacking physical coordination and being awkward in movement. It can manifest in a variety of ways, such as dropping objects frequently, tripping over one's own feet, or bumping into things unintentionally.
Synonyms
awkwardness, ineptitude, ungracefulness.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
Word | Description / Examples |
---|---|
clumsiness |
Used when referring to someoneโs lack of physical coordination or when someone is prone to stumbling or accidents.
|
awkwardness |
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.
|
ineptitude |
Best used when describing someoneโs lack of skill or competence, especially in a professional or technical setting. This term often has a negative connotation.
|
ungracefulness |
Refers to a lack of elegance or smoothness in movement. This term often describes physical actions and is not used for social situations.
|
Examples of usage
- He is known for his clumsiness, always spilling his drink or knocking things over.
- Her clumsiness became evident when she tried to dance and kept stepping on her partner's feet.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Origin of 'clumsiness'
The word 'clumsiness' originated from the Old English word 'clumsen', which meant 'lumpish' or 'fennel'. Over time, the meaning evolved to describe a lack of physical coordination or grace. Clumsiness is often associated with a lack of fine motor skills or spatial awareness, leading to awkward movements and frequent accidents.
See also: clumsily.