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What is another word for Awkward? – 154 Awkward Synonyms

    Need another word for Awkward? Use these synonyms of Awkward from our thesaurus to say it differently.


    Synonyms & Similar Words

    clumsy awkward ungainly uncoordinated gangly gawky inept inelegant unrefined crude rough rude tactless insensitive gauche maladroit cumbersome lumbering stumbling fumbling blundering hapless unfortunate uncomfortable uneasy self-conscious nervous jittery hesitant diffident bashful shy reserved introverted clumsy stumbling ungainly ungraceful unpolished rude crude rough.

    Meaning of Awkward

    The primary meaning of the word "Awkward" is related to lacking grace or coordination in movement, manner, or social interaction.

    Definitions

    • Causing or feeling embarrassment or discomfort because of being unsure or unskilled
    • Lacking grace or coordination in movement, manner, or social interaction
    • Not comfortable or easy to use, handle, or manage

    Etymology of Awkward

    The word "Awkward" originated in the 14th century from the Old Norse word "afvrk", meaning "backwards" or "contrary", and later influenced by the Middle English word "awk" or "awke", meaning "wrong" or "opposite"
    Historically, the word has been used to describe something or someone that is ungainly, uncoordinated, or lacking in social grace

    Example Uses

    • The new employee felt awkward in the meeting, not knowing anyone or the company procedures
    • The dancer's awkward movements made the audience feel uncomfortable
    • The conversation turned awkward when the topic of politics came up

    Antonyms & Near Antonyms

    graceful coordinated elegant refined polished smooth suave sophisticated poised confident self-assured assured adept skilled proficient easy comfortable natural spontaneous effortless fluid agile nimble quick prompt ready prepared.

    Related Nouns

    awkwardness clumsiness inelegance gaucheness maladroitness crudeness rudeness tactlessness insensitivity embarrassment discomfort unease self-consciousness nervousness jitteriness hesitation diffidence bashfulness shyness reserve introversion clumsiness gangliness gawkiness ungainliness uncoordinatedness.

    Related Verbs

    stumble fumble blunder trip tumble fall stagger lurch lumber stumble stagger blunder fumble bumble botch muddle muff fluff spoil mar ruin humiliate embarrass discomfort unease discomfit perplex puzzle confuse bewilder.

    Related Adjectives

    clumsy inept inelegant unrefined crude rough rude tactless insensitive gauche maladroit cumbersome lumbering stumbling fumbling blundering hapless unfortunate uncomfortable uneasy self-conscious nervous jittery hesitant diffident bashful shy reserved introverted.