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Definitions

awkward

[awk-werd] / ˈɔk wərd /
ADJECTIVE
clumsy, inelegant
Synonyms
STRONGEST
amateurish rude stiff
WEAK
all thumbs artless blundering bulky bumbling bungling butterfingers coarse floundering gawky graceless green having two left feet having two left hands incompetent inept inexpert klutzy lumbering maladroit oafish stumbling uncoordinated uncouth unfit ungainly ungraceful unhandy unpolished unrefined unskilled unskillful
Antonyms
WEAK
adroit artful clever convenient dexterous easy elegant graceful handy skillful straightforward
ADJECTIVE
difficult to handle
Synonyms
STRONGEST
annoying cumbersome dangerous inconvenient perilous risky troublesome uncomfortable unwieldy
WEAK
bulky chancy cramped disagreeable discommodious hard to use hazardous incommodious unhandy unmanageable
Antonyms
STRONGEST
convenient easy helpful safe secure
WEAK
adroit artful clever dexterous elegant graceful handy skillful straightforward
ADJECTIVE
embarrassing
Synonyms
STRONGEST
delicate difficult embarrassed inconvenient painful ticklish troublesome uncomfortable unpleasant
WEAK
compromising ill at ease inopportune perplexing sticky thorny trying untimely
Antonyms
STRONGEST
delightful easy helpful painless pleasant straightforward
WEAK
adroit artful clever convenient dexterous elegant graceful handy skillful

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

The money was given to the daughter of a friend of mine, so it feels awkward.

From MarketWatch • Apr. 13, 2026

Interest-based consumption is less dependent on debt-fueled housing wealth and less politically awkward than conspicuous luxury.

From Barron's • Apr. 11, 2026

And, finally, he played one of a set of awkward husbands who come to life singing “Carry On Wayward Son” together.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 5, 2026

Daniel can come across as reserved, even awkward, in front of the camera.

From BBC • Apr. 5, 2026

She was with her new mates as usual, and so I hung around on the edge of the group, feeling awkward, while they all said their goodbyes.

From "Code Name Kingfisher" by Liz Kessler

Vocabulary lists containing awkward

The SAT: Multiple-Meaning Words, List 3

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The New SAT: Multiple-Meaning Words

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English Words Derived from Old Norse

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