adjective
awkward
Difficult to handle or causing physical or social discomfort.
The large box is awkward to carry through the narrow doorway.
Etymology
Middle English awk meant turned the wrong way, and -ward indicates direction. The image of moving the wrong way broadened into clumsiness, difficulty, and discomfort in physical or social situations.
More examples
- An awkward silence followed his unexpected question.
- She felt awkward meeting so many strangers at once.
- The cupboard occupies an awkward corner beneath the stairs.
Forms
awkwardly adverb — With difficulty, poor coordination, or social discomfort.
Similar words
- clumsy
- Emphasizes poor coordination or inelegant handling.
- uncomfortable
- Is broader and can refer to physical pain or emotional unease.