Main Entry:

clum·sy

Pronunciation:

\ˈkləm-zē\

Function:

adjective

Inflected Form(s):

clum·si·er; clum·si·est

Etymology:

probably from obsolete English clumse benumbed with cold

Date:

circa 1598

1 a: lacking dexterity, nimbleness, or grace <clumsy fingers> b: lacking tact or subtlety <a clumsy joke>2: awkward or inefficient in use or construction : unwieldy <a clumsy contraption>

synonyms see awkward

— clum·si·ly \-zə-lē\ adverb

— clum·si·ness \-zē-nəs\ noun