awkward Definition
- 1causing difficulty or embarrassment
- 2not graceful; ungainly
Using awkward: Examples
Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "awkward" can be used in various situations through the following examples!
Example
It was an awkward situation when I accidentally spilled coffee on my boss.
Example
He felt awkward when he realized he had worn mismatched shoes to work.
Example
The new dance routine was awkward for her to learn.
awkward Synonyms and Antonyms
Synonyms for awkward
Antonyms for awkward
Phrases with awkward
Example
After the joke fell flat, there was an awkward silence in the room.
Example
It was an awkward moment when she realized she had called her teacher 'mom'.
Example
He made the awkward turtle gesture to lighten the mood after his joke failed.
Origins of awkward
from Middle English 'awkeward', meaning 'in the wrong direction'
Summary: awkward in Brief
The term 'awkward' [ˈɔːkwəd] refers to situations or things that cause difficulty or embarrassment. It can also describe someone or something that is not graceful or ungainly. Examples include spilling coffee on your boss or wearing mismatched shoes to work. Phrases like 'awkward silence' and 'awkward moment' denote uncomfortable or embarrassing moments, while 'awkward turtle' is a hand gesture used to break an awkward silence or moment.