1
a
: not graceful : clumsy
She is awkward at dancing.
He had large feet and his walk was awkward and ungainly.
an awkward movement
The story contained some awkward writing.
b
: lacking skill
She is an awkward writer.
2
: difficult to use or handle
The machine is very awkward to operate.
an awkward tool
The box isn't heavy but it has an awkward shape and size. [=its shape and size make it difficult to carry]
3
a
: not easy to deal with
It was an awkward [=embarrassing] moment for everyone.
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.
b
: not socially graceful or confident : uneasy or uncomfortable
I feel awkward (about) having to ask you to help.
He feels awkward with/around strangers.
Cite this Entry
“Awkward.” Merriam-Webster.com Simple Definition, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/simple/awkward. Accessed 21 Jun. 2026.
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