What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
awkward
Example
He felt awkward when he tripped and dropped his tray in the cafeteria. [awkward: adjective]
Example
She had an awkward conversation with her ex-boyfriend at the party. [awkward: adjective]
inept
Example
The new employee was inept at using the computer system. [inept: adjective]
Example
His inept handling of the situation only made things worse. [inept: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Awkward is more commonly used than inept in everyday language. Awkward is versatile and can be used in various contexts, while inept is more specific and often used in professional or formal settings.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between awkward and inept?
While awkward can be used in both formal and informal contexts, inept is generally more formal and is often used in professional or academic settings.