Need another word for Awkwardness? Use these synonyms of Awkwardness from our thesaurus to say it differently.
Synonyms & Similar Words
clumsiness
gaucheness
inelegance
stiffness
rigidity
self-consciousness
embarrassment
unease
discomfort
nervousness
apprehension
trepidation
hesitancy
uncertainty
tentativeness
awkwardly
gangliness
gawkiness
ineptness
maladroitness
crudeness
crudity
coarseness
boorishness
tactlessness
insensitivity
crudeness
harshness
brusqueness
gruffness
curtness
bruskness
Meaning of Awkwardness
The quality of being awkward, uncomfortable, or embarrassing.
Definitions
- The quality of being awkward, uncomfortable, or embarrassing, especially in social situations.
- * A feeling of embarrassment or self-consciousness, especially in social situations.
Etymology of Awkwardness
The word "awkwardness" has its roots in the Old English and Old Norse words "awak" or "vakr", meaning "wrong" or "perverse", and the suffix "-ness", which forms a noun indicating a state or quality.
Historically, the word "awkward" originally meant "turned the wrong way" or "perverse", and its meaning evolved over time to include the sense of being clumsy or socially uncomfortable.
Example Uses
- The team's awkwardness on the field was evident in their lack of coordination and communication.
- * She felt a sense of awkwardness when she ran into her ex-boyfriend at the party.
- * The silence between them was filled with awkwardness, and they both struggled to find something to say.
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
elegance
poise
refinement
sophistication
suaveness
finesse
tact
diplomacy
courtesy
graciousness
politeness
cordiality
warmth
friendliness
affability
amiability
cordialness
congeniality
geniality
smoothness
slickness