awkward

adjective

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awk·ward | \ ˈȯ-kwərd

Definition of awkward

1a : lacking dexterity or skill (as in the use of hands) I'm awkward with a needle and thread.

b : showing the result of a lack of expertness an awkward attempt awkward pictures

2a : lacking ease or grace (as of movement or expression) awkward writing

b : lacking the right proportions, size, or harmony of parts : ungainly an awkward design

3a : lacking social grace and assurance an awkward newcomer

b : causing embarrassment an awkward moment

4 : not easy to handle or deal with : requiring great skill, ingenuity, or care an awkward load an awkward diplomatic situation

5 obsolete : perverse

6 archaic : unfavorable, adverse

Other Words from awkward Synonyms & Antonyms Choose the Right Synonym More Example Sentences Learn More About awkward

Choose the Right Synonym for awkward

awkward, clumsy, maladroit, inept, gauche mean not marked by ease (as of performance, movement, or social conduct). awkward is widely applicable and may suggest unhandiness, inconvenience, lack of muscular control, embarrassment, or lack of tact. periods of awkward silence clumsy implies stiffness and heaviness and so may connote inflexibility, unwieldiness, or lack of ordinary skill. a clumsy mechanic maladroit suggests a tendency to create awkward situations. a maladroit politician inept often implies complete failure or inadequacy. a hopelessly inept defense attorney gauche implies the effects of shyness, inexperience, or ill breeding. felt gauche and unsophisticated at formal parties

Examples of awkward in a Sentence

I was electrified by what I learned in college. Still socially awkward, I had the bad habit of stopping strangers in the street to pour my heart out about the latest marvel I had learned. — Jaron Lanier, Curious Minds, (2004) 2005 Greene must have known that such men would not spill the beans about his irregular life or ask awkward questions, though Burgess famously teased him for being … a poseur, and was banished. — Paul Theroux, New York Times Book Review, 17 Oct. 2004 On the ground, vultures are hunched and awkward bundles of feathers, but in the air, where I watch them during much of the day, they are magnificent graceful soarers. — Words From the Land, Stephen Trimble, editor, 1988 She is awkward at dancing. He had large feet and his walk was awkward and ungainly. The story contained some awkward writing. She is an awkward writer. The machine is very awkward to operate. I often find myself in awkward situations. He was put in the awkward position of having to write the memo. There was an awkward pause in the conversation. He feels awkward with strangers. See More

Recent Examples on the Web There is an awkward, halting quality to Craig McNamara’s prose, which gives it credibility and power. — Washington Post, 6 May 2022 The tipping moment can be awkward for employees as well. — New York Times, 19 Apr. 2022 As her star ascends, love blooms, and a singer who was once an awkward, friendless kid finds fulfillment as a beloved icon, devoted wife, caring mother and headlining queen of Las Vegas. — Robert Abele, Los Angeles Times, 6 Apr. 2022 Rosie O'Donnell is apologizing to Priyanka Chopra Jonas and Nick Jonas following her awkward encounter with the couple. — Dory Jackson, PEOPLE.com, 22 Feb. 2022 Sometimes, group team-building activities can be awkward. — Mia Vasser, Fortune, 1 Feb. 2022 Feldstein’s Fanny is a wide-eyed woman-child, at turns stubborn, awkward and silly. — Frank Rizzo, Variety, 24 Apr. 2022 The merger of OnePlus and Oppo makes for an awkward and unclear future for OnePlus' software, too. — Ron Amadeo, Ars Technica, 18 Apr. 2022 Start here, no matter how young and awkward and seemingly-childish the first installment appears. — Josh St. Clair, Men's Health, 14 Apr. 2022 See More

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'awkward.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.