Thesaurus

clumsy

Q: How does the adjective 'clumsy' contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of clumsy are awkward , gauche , inept , and maladroit . While all these words mean "not marked by ease (as of performance, movement, or social conduct)," clumsy implies stiffness and heaviness and so may connote inflexibility, unwieldiness, or lack of ordinary skill. // a clumsy mechanic

Q: When could 'awkward' be used to replace 'clumsy'?

The words awkward and clumsy can be used in similar contexts, but awkward is widely applicable and may suggest unhandiness, inconvenience, lack of muscular control, embarrassment, or lack of tact. // periods of awkward silence

Q: When might 'gauche' be a better fit than 'clumsy'?

Although the words gauche and clumsy have much in common, gauche implies the effects of shyness, inexperience, or ill breeding. // felt gauche and unsophisticated at formal parties

Q: In what contexts can 'inept' take the place of 'clumsy'?

While the synonyms inept and clumsy are close in meaning, inept often implies complete failure or inadequacy. // a hopelessly inept defense attorney

Q: When would 'maladroit' be a good substitute for 'clumsy'?

In some situations, the words maladroit and clumsy are roughly equivalent. However, maladroit suggests a tendency to create awkward situations. // a maladroit politician

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Synonyms & Antonyms of clumsy

1 lacking or showing a lack of nimbleness in using one's hands

diamond cutting is no job for a clumsy person

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uncoordinated

Phrases Synonymous with clumsy

all thumbs

Near Antonyms for clumsy

coordinated

Antonyms for clumsy

2 having or showing an inability to move in a graceful manner

a clumsy bow

clumsy on the dance floor

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3 lacking social grace and assurance

felt clumsy in the unfamiliar uniform

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self-conscious

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4 showing or marked by a lack of skill and tact (as in dealing with a situation)

a clumsy joke

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5 difficult to use or operate especially because of size, weight, or design

a clumsy contraption, but it got the job done

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handy

6 hastily or roughly constructed

a clumsy mock-up of the real thing

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Antonyms for clumsy

refined

Frequently Asked Questions About clumsy

How does the adjective clumsy contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of clumsy are awkward, gauche, inept, and maladroit. While all these words mean "not marked by ease (as of performance, movement, or social conduct)," clumsy implies stiffness and heaviness and so may connote inflexibility, unwieldiness, or lack of ordinary skill.

a clumsy mechanic

When could awkward be used to replace clumsy?

The words awkward and clumsy can be used in similar contexts, but awkward is widely applicable and may suggest unhandiness, inconvenience, lack of muscular control, embarrassment, or lack of tact.

periods of awkward silence