awkward

adjective awk·ward \ ˈȯ-kwərd \

Updated on: 11 Apr 2018

Definition of awkward

1 a : 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

2 a : 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

3 a : 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

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awkwardly

adverb

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awkwardness

noun

See awkward defined for English-language learners

See awkward defined for kids

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.

Recent Examples of awkward from the Web

There have been a few awkward moments along the way.

— allan ulrich, San Francisco Chronicle, "S.F. Ballet whirls Unbound into historic dance festival," 4 Apr. 2018
American Idol has been struggling to win over fans this season, mostly thanks to a ton of awkward moments from judge Katy Perry and some pretty cringeworthy interactions.

— jamie ballard, Good Housekeeping, "Twitter Is Officially Done With “American Idol” After Last Night’s Elimination of Thaddeus Johnson," 3 Apr. 2018
The rocker feature allowed for a surprisingly deep recline, but was a little awkward rocking back and forth because the steep curve of the skids propelled the chair into a lurch more than sway.

— joe jackson, Outside Online, "Testing the Best Comfortable Camp Chairs," 30 Mar. 2018
Pixies fans may get off on its decidedly awkward take on the shape, however.

— davey g. johnson, Car and Driver, "Oh My God! It’s a Mirage! The Rare ’70s Cadillac Pickup That’s Very, Very Real," 22 Mar. 2018
That left council members in the awkward position of considering projects that developers were telling them would be reserved for affordable housing while formally not factoring in those declarations.

— ely portillo, charlotteobserver, "Developers promised affordable housing, but wouldn't give the city guarantees | Charlotte Observer," 21 Mar. 2018
Episode two of the season aired on Monday night and was packed to the brim with exciting performances and inspirational stories, but one hilariously awkward moment stole the show.

— daniela sternitzky-di napoli, Houston Chronicle, "'American Idol' judge Katy Perry flashes Luke Bryan, Lionel Richie in awkward wardrobe malfunction," 13 Mar. 2018
News pre-Oscars red carpet show, the network also reportedly set up a 30-second delay to protect him from any tough questions or awkward moments.

— rosemary donahue, Allure, "Why Aren’t We Asking More Men About #MeToo on the Red Carpet?," 4 Mar. 2018
At the Olympics opening ceremony earlier this month, the North Korean leader’s sister, Kim Yo Jong, shared a VIP box with Moon and Vice President Mike Pence, who led a separate U.S. delegation, creating some awkward moments.

— darlene superville, The Seattle Times, "White House takes cautious approach on North Korea overeture," 25 Feb. 2018

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.

Origin and Etymology of awkward

Middle English awkeward in the wrong direction, from awke turned the wrong way, from Old Norse ǫfugr; akin to Old High German abuh turned the wrong way

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First Known Use: 1530

See Words from the same year

awkward Synonyms

Synonym Discussion of 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.