What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
gauche
Example
He was so gauche at the party, he spilled his drink on the hostess. [gauche: adjective]
Example
Her gauche attempt at small talk made everyone feel uncomfortable. [gauche: noun]
awkward
Example
It was an awkward moment when she realized she had forgotten his name. [awkward: adjective]
Example
He felt awkward dancing because he had two left feet. [awkward: adjective]
Example
The new software was awkward to use at first, but I got used to it. [awkward: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Awkward is more commonly used than gauche in everyday language. Awkward is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while gauche is less common and has a more formal connotation.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between gauche and awkward?
Gauche is typically associated with a more formal tone, while awkward can be used in both formal and informal contexts.
