November 17, 2019 Word of the Day
more awkward; most awkward
An awkward moment
Definition of AWKWARD
1 a : not graceful : CLUMSY
She is awkward at dancing.
He had large feet and his walk was awkward and ungainly.
an awkward movement
The story contained some awkward writing.
1 b : lacking skill
She is an awkward writer.
2 : difficult to use or handle
The machine is very awkward to operate.
an awkward tool
The box isn't heavy but it has an awkward shape and size. [=its shape and size make it difficult to carry]
3 a : not easy to deal with
It was an awkward [=embarrassing] moment for everyone.
I often find myself in awkward situations.
He was put in the awkward position of having to write the memo.
There was an awkward pause in the conversation.
3 b : not socially graceful or confident : uneasy or uncomfortable
I feel awkward (about) having to ask you to help.
He feels awkward with/around strangers.
— awkwardly adverb
The baby was crawling awkwardly on her hands and knees.
He fell and landed awkwardly.
an awkwardly written sentence
— awkwardness noun, plural awkwardnesses
[noncount]
A moment of awkwardness occurred after the introduction.
the awkwardness of the writing
[count]
There was an awkwardness between us when we last saw each other.
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