Synonyms in Detail: clumsy and inept Usage & Differences

What context can I use each word in?

Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!

clumsy

Example

He is so clumsy that he always spills his drink. [clumsy: adjective]

Example

She tripped over her own feet and fell down the stairs. [clumsy: adjective]

inept

Example

He is an inept driver and often gets into accidents. [inept: adjective]

Example

She was so inept at cooking that she burned every dish she attempted. [inept: adjective]

Good things to know

Which word is more common?

Clumsy is more commonly used in everyday language compared to inept. It is a word that is often used to describe someone's physical movements or actions. Inept, on the other hand, is less common and tends to be used in more specific contexts, such as describing someone's lack of skill or ability in a particular area.

What’s the difference in the tone of formality between clumsy and inept?

Both clumsy and inept are generally considered informal words. However, inept may be perceived as slightly more formal due to its specific usage in relation to skill or ability.

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