adjective
clumsy
KLUM-zee/ˈklʌmzi/
Awkward in movement or execution.
Her clumsy reach knocks over a glass of water.
Etymology
Clumsen described becoming numb or stiff with cold or fear. Its participle developed into a description of moving as if benumbed, then more generally of awkward movement or unwieldy handling.
In context
Within hours of birth, they can stand and run. Their first attempts may [music] appear clumsy, legs swaying against the uneven snow
More examples
- My first attempt was clumsy but recognizable.
- She made a clumsy effort to apologize.
- He became clumsier when he hurried.
Forms
clumsy · clumsier · clumsiest
clumsily adverb — without coordination or grace
clumsiness noun — lack of coordination or grace