ENGLISH DICTIONARY

Awkward

Definition, Meaning & Examples

Pronunciation /ˈɔːk.wəd/ · Part of speech adjective

Quick meaning: Awkward is an adjective meaning Lacking dexterity in the use of the hands, or of instruments.

Meaning

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

More Meanings

  1. Not easily managed or effected; embarrassing.
  2. Lacking social skills, or uncomfortable with social interaction.
  3. Perverse; adverse; difficult to handle.
  4. Someone or something that is awkward.

Example Sentences

He's a right awkward chap.
I'm very awkward at parties.
An awkward silence had fallen.
These cabinets are going to be very awkward when we move.

Word Forms

Synonyms for awkward

Depending on context, synonyms include clumsy, lubberly, ungraceful, unhandy, gawky, recalcitrant.

Antonyms for awkward

Common opposites include dexterous, gainly, graceful, handy, skillful, amiable.

Related Words

Related dictionary entries include strained, labored, laboured, difficult, cumbersome, hard.

Related Dictionary Tools

Sources & Attribution

FreeDictionaryAPI.com / Wiktionary · Original source · CC BY-SA 4.0

Dictionary data is provided by FreeDictionaryAPI.com and sourced from Wiktionary under its stated license.