awkward

[ˈɔːkwəd]

awkward Definition

• 1. causing difficulty or embarrassment
• 2. not graceful; ungainly

Using awkward: Examples

Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "awkward" can be used in various situations through the following examples!

• Example

  It was an awkward situation when I accidentally spilled coffee on my boss.

• Example

  He felt awkward when he realized he had worn mismatched shoes to work.

• Example

  The new dance routine was awkward for her to learn.

awkward Synonyms and Antonyms

Synonyms for awkward

• embarrassing
• uncomfortable
• clumsy
• unwieldy
• inept

Antonyms for awkward

• graceful
• elegant
• smooth
• coordinated
• adept

Phrases with awkward

• awkward silence

  a moment of silence that is uncomfortable or embarrassing

  Example

  After the joke fell flat, there was an awkward silence in the room.

• awkward moment

  a moment that is uncomfortable or embarrassing

  Example

  It was an awkward moment when she realized she had called her teacher 'mom'.

• awkward turtle

  a hand gesture used to break an awkward silence or moment

  Example

  He made the awkward turtle gesture to lighten the mood after his joke failed.

Origins of awkward

from Middle English 'awkeward', meaning 'in the wrong direction'

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Summary: awkward in Brief

The term 'awkward' [ˈɔːkwəd] refers to situations or things that cause difficulty or embarrassment. It can also describe someone or something that is not graceful or ungainly. Examples include spilling coffee on your boss or wearing mismatched shoes to work. Phrases like 'awkward silence' and 'awkward moment' denote uncomfortable or embarrassing moments, while 'awkward turtle' is a hand gesture used to break an awkward silence or moment.