awkward

CEFRB2

/ˈɔːk.wəd/

adjective

Türkçe translations

Translating…

In plain English

  1. 01

    adjective

    Uncomfortable, embarrassing, or difficult to handle.

  2. 02

    adjective

    Clumsy or not easy to move in.

Examples

  • After an awkward pause, Bill took her by the hand and dragged her upstairs.

  • At first the trainees were awkward in his company.

At a glance

Sits at B2 on the CEFR scale

Senses
5
Parts of speech
1
Citations
4
Synonyms
5

Also pronounced

  • /ˈaːk.wɐd/
  • /ˈoː.kwəd/

Deep Dive

adjective

Extra meanings

  1. Lacking social skills, or uncomfortable with social interaction.

  2. Not easily managed or effected; embarrassing.

  3. Lacking dexterity in the use of the hands, or of instruments.

More examples

In context

  • John was awkward at performing the trick. He'll have to practice to improve.

  • That was an extremely awkward moment. Everyone was watching.

  • I felt very awkward.

Synonyms

Antonyms

Quick test

Two questions on this entry. Nothing is scored.

Question 1 · Quick check

He felt blank when he accidentally called his boss mom.

Practise this properly in the app, where the word comes back before you forget it.

Nearby

Origin

adjective

From awk (“odd, clumsy”) + -ward. Compare Middle English aukeward (“in the wrong direction”).