awkward

English

Etymology

From awk (“odd, clumsy”) +‎ -ward.

Pronunciation

Adverb

awkward (comparative more awkward, superlative most awkward)

  1. (obsolete) In a backwards direction.
    • 1485, Sir Thomas Malory, Le Morte Darthur, Book V:
      Than groned the knyght for his grymme woundis, and gyrdis to Sir Gawayne and awkewarde hym strykes, and [...] kut thorow a vayne [...].

Adjective

awkward (comparative awkwarder or more awkward, superlative awkwardest or most awkward)

  1. Lacking dexterity in the use of the hands, or of instruments
    (archaic) John was awkward at performing the trick. He'll have to practice to improve.
  2. Not easily managed or effected; embarrassing
    That was an extremely awkward moment. Everyone was watching.
  3. Lacking social skills, or uncomfortable with social interaction
    I'm very awkward at parties.
    Things get very awkward whenever 60-year old men use cheesy pick-up lines on me.
  4. Perverse; adverse; difficult to handle
    He's a right awkward chap.
    These cabinets are going to be very awkward when we move.

Synonyms

Antonyms

Derived terms

Translations

lacking dexterity in the use of the hands
not easily managed or effected; embarrassing
lacking social skills, or uncomfortable with social interaction
perverse; adverse; untoward
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Last modified on 1 April 2013, at 09:12