Learn how to use the comparative “clumsier” and superlative “clumsiest” with example sentences and differences.

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Notes from a Native English Speaker

Comparative adjectives help us to describe how good or bad something is when compared to something else. For example, something is taller than something else. Superlative adjectives help us to describe something as having the most or least of a particular characteristic within a group. This makes it easier and more accurate to talk about and compare things.

What is the comparative form of “clumsy”?

The comparative form of “clumsy” is “clumsier”.

Example

He is clumsier than his sister when it comes to handling delicate objects.

Example

The toddler walked clumsier than usual after tripping and falling.

What is the superlative form of “clumsy”?

The superlative form of “clumsy” is “clumsiest”.

Example

Among all the dancers, he is the clumsiest.

Example

The puppy is known for being the clumsiest of the litter.

Why is this expression not used with most, more?

'Most' and 'more' are generally not used with clumsy, clumsier, and clumsiest. They’re considered regular comparatives and superlatives. The forms 'more clumsy' and 'most clumsy' are not commonly used. Instead, clumsier and clumsiest are the preferred forms to use.

Does this expression have an irregular comparative/superlative form?

Clumsy does not have an irregular comparative or superlative form. It follows the standard pattern for forming comparatives and superlatives. So, to summarize: Comparative: ClumsyClumsier Superlative: ClumsyClumsiest

Expressions with similar meanings to “clumsier”

Used to describe someone who lacks coordination or finesse

Example

She felt awkward trying to dance in high heels.

Similar to clumsy, this emphasizes a lack of grace or elegance

Example

The ungainly giraffe struggled to reach the leaves on the tall tree.

Used to describe someone who is not skilled or adept at a particular task

Example

He was inept at playing the piano, often hitting the wrong keys.

Expressions with similar meanings to “clumsiest”

Similar to clumsiest, this emphasizes a lack of coordination or finesse

Example

Out of all the participants, she was the most awkward on the dance floor.

Used to describe the highest level of clumsiness and lack of grace

Example

The baby elephant was the most ungainly of all the animals in the zoo.

Used to describe the highest level of incompetence or lack of skill

Example

He was the most inept player on the team, often making costly mistakes.

Using than with comparative “clumsier”

When using the comparative form clumsier to compare two things, you would use than to connect the two parts of the comparison: Example: "He is clumsier than his sister." Here, than is used to show that the level of clumsiness of 'he' is greater than the level of clumsiness of his sister.

How can I use this expression in context?

“clumsier” and “clumsiest” can be used in a variety of situations to compare speed.
  • 1Physical Coordination

    He handled the fragile vase clumsier than his friend.

    He handled the fragile vase clumsier than his friend.

  • 2Movement

    The injured athlete walked clumsier after spraining his ankle.

    The injured athlete walked clumsier after spraining his ankle.

  • 3Fine Motor Skills

    She painted the intricate design clumsier than she intended.

    She painted the intricate design clumsier than she intended.

  • 4Sports

    He was the clumsiest player on the soccer team.

    He was the clumsiest player on the soccer team.

  • 5Accidents

    The toddler's fall was the clumsiest stumble of the day.

    The toddler's fall was the clumsiest stumble of the day.

Related idioms and phrases

All thumbs

To be clumsy or awkward with one's hands.

Example

She tried to sew, but she was all thumbs and kept pricking herself with the needle.

Butterfingers

To have a tendency to drop things or be clumsy with one's hands.

Example

He's such a butterfingers that he dropped his phone three times today.

Trip over one's own feet

To stumble or fall due to clumsiness or lack of coordination.

Example

She's always tripping over her own feet, it's like she has two left feet.

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