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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.

There are so many questions – and an awkward few hours ahead for the prime minister.

From BBC • Apr. 20, 2026

She described the awkward conversation — and his immediate denials.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 17, 2026

This was a genuinely awkward moment for a governor who had pitched herself as a pragmatic centrist, and she paid for it in the headlines.

From Salon • Apr. 15, 2026

These misaligned intentions and the reactions they give rise to make for an awkward but energizing catch-up session, followed by belated hurt feelings, then a fuller reconciliation.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 14, 2026

Penelope spoke in a similarly hushed tone, since it would have felt awkward to answer in any other manner.

From "The Hidden Gallery" by Maryrose Wood

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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