What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
cumbersome
Example
The old piano was so cumbersome that it took four people to move it. [cumbersome: adjective]
Example
The company's cumbersome bureaucracy made it difficult to get anything done efficiently. [cumbersome: adjective]
awkward
Example
It was an awkward moment when I accidentally spilled my drink on my boss. [awkward: adjective]
Example
He felt awkward at the party because he didn't know anyone there. [awkward: adjective]
Example
The new phone's design was awkward to hold and use. [awkward: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Awkward is more commonly used than cumbersome in everyday language. Awkward is a versatile word that can be used in many different contexts, while cumbersome is less common and tends to be used in more specific situations.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between cumbersome and awkward?
Both cumbersome and awkward are relatively formal words that are not commonly used in casual conversation. However, awkward is slightly more versatile and can be used in both formal and informal contexts, while cumbersome is more likely to be used in formal or technical writing.
