awkward

awk·ward

Use awkward in a sentence

adjective

The definition of awkward is someone who is clumsy or a situation which is uncomfortable.

A person who is uncoordinated is an example of a person who is awkward.
If you are with someone and neither of you can think of anything to say, that is an example of an awkward silence.

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"awkward." YourDictionary, n.d. Web. 18 January 2019. <https://www.yourdictionary.com/Awkward>.

APA Style

awkward. (n.d.). Retrieved January 18th, 2019, from https://www.yourdictionary.com/Awkward

awkward

not having grace or skill; clumsy, as in form or movement; bungling: an awkward dancer, an awkward style
inconvenient to use; hard to handle; unwieldy: an awkward tool
inconvenient; uncomfortable; cramped: an awkward position
showing or resulting from lack of social poise; embarrassed or embarrassing: an awkward remark
not easy to deal with; delicate: an awkward situation
Obs. perverse or untoward

Origin of awkward

Middle English aukward from Old Norse ?fugr, turned backward + Old English -weard, -ward

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MLA Style

"awkward." YourDictionary, n.d. Web. 18 January 2019. <https://www.yourdictionary.com/Awkward>.

APA Style

awkward. (n.d.). Retrieved January 18th, 2019, from https://www.yourdictionary.com/Awkward

awkward

adjective

Not graceful; ungainly.
a. Not dexterous; clumsy.
b. Clumsily or unskillfully performed: The opera was marred by an awkward aria.
a. Difficult to handle or manage: an awkward bundle to carry.
b. Difficult to effect; uncomfortable: an awkward pose.
a. Marked by or causing embarrassment or discomfort: an awkward remark; an awkward silence.
b. Requiring great tact, ingenuity, skill, and discretion: An awkward situation arose during the peace talks.

Origin of awkward

Middle English awkeward in the wrong way awke wrong ( from Old Norse öfugr backward ; see apo- in Indo-European roots.) -ward -ward

Related Forms:

awk′ward·ly
adverb

awk′ward·ness
noun

THE AMERICAN HERITAGE® DICTIONARY OF THE ENGLISH LANGUAGE, FIFTH EDITION by the Editors of the American Heritage Dictionaries. Copyright © 2016, 2011 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.

Link/Cite

Link to this page

Cite this page

MLA Style

"awkward." YourDictionary, n.d. Web. 18 January 2019. <https://www.yourdictionary.com/Awkward>.

APA Style

awkward. (n.d.). Retrieved January 18th, 2019, from https://www.yourdictionary.com/Awkward

Adverb

(comparative more awkward, superlative most awkward)

(obsolete) In a backwards direction.

Adjective

(comparative awkwarder or more awkward, superlative awkwardest or most awkward)

Lacking dexterity in the use of the hands, or of instruments
John was awkward at performing the trick. He'll have to practice to improve.
Not easily managed or effected; embarrassing
That was an extremely awkward moment. Everyone was watching.
Lacking social skills, or uncomfortable with social interaction
I'm very awkward at parties.
Things get very awkward whenever 60-year old men use cheesy pick-up lines on me.
Perverse; adverse; difficult to handle
He's a right awkward chap.
These cabinets are going to be very awkward when we move.