awkward
adjective
UK/ˈɔː.kwəd/US/ˈɔː.kwɚd/
causing or feeling embarrassment, or lacking ease or grace in movement or manner
Example Sentences
He felt awkward trying to make small talk with people he barely knew.
Her awkward posture suggested a lack of confidence when speaking in public.
This new design makes the phone awkward to hold with one hand.
We had an awkward pause in the conversation when neither of us knew what to say.
It was awkward watching the two colleagues argue in front of everyone.
The layout of the furniture is somewhat awkward, leaving little room to maneuver comfortably, especially when guests arrive and the space becomes crowded.
She always felt awkward at family gatherings, uncertain of how to engage relatives she barely recognized and overwhelmed by the chaotic environment.
Despite an awkward first encounter, they soon realized they had much in common and became great friends.
Thesaurus
Synonyms
Antonyms
How to Use
Describes situations or actions that feel uneasy, inelegant, or embarrassing.“Awkward” typically refers to something that doesn’t flow smoothly—be it a social exchange, a movement, or an arrangement. A social scenario might be labeled “awkward” if there’s tension, a stumble in conversation, or someone feels out of place. In physical contexts, an awkward posture or gesture shows clumsiness or difficulty maintaining balance. If you say, “I felt awkward there,” it hints at self-consciousness or a mismatch with the environment. Awkward moments often arise in unexpected interactions—like running into someone you’ve had conflict with, forgetting a person’s name mid-introduction, or encountering silence in a group discussion. In such scenarios, “awkward” captures that subtle discomfort or lack of ease. It can be mild, prompting a laugh, or severe enough to create lasting embarrassment. Whether describing bodily gracelessness or social tension, “awkward” underscores the absence of natural flow or comfort.
Alternatives
For close synonyms, “clumsy” often applies to physical movements or gracelessness, while “uncomfortable” focuses more on emotional or social unease. “Embarrassing” emphasizes a sense of shame or potential humiliation. “Inelegant” can highlight less-than-smooth behaviors or expressions, though it’s more formal. “Awkward” remains the most versatile term for indicating both social and physical discomfort, bridging minor mishaps to major cringe-worthy moments.
Writing
When referencing “awkward” in writing—especially fiction or narratives—show characters’ reactions or the setting’s mood. Instead of stating “It was awkward,” describe gestures, stammers, or silences that reflect tension. For example, “He shifted from foot to foot, struggling to meet her eyes” conveys a scene’s awkwardness. In essays or analyses, clarify why something feels off—like a design feature that’s awkward, leading to user confusion, or a social norm that creates awkwardness for newcomers. Including small, telling details communicates the awkward vibe better than merely labeling it. In more formal contexts, consider whether “awkward” is the best choice; if a design is “inefficient,” “counterintuitive,” or “inelegant,” those words might be more precise. Still, “awkward” can fit a wide range of situations, underscoring the underlying sense of difficulty or unease.
Casual Conversation
In daily conversation, people often label interactions or events as “awkward”: “That was such an awkward moment when I forgot his name,” or “This seating arrangement is awkward; I have no space.” Friends might call themselves or others “awkward” jokingly— “I’m so awkward around strangers,” acknowledging social clumsiness. The phrase “awkward silence” is common, referring to lulls in conversation that make everyone uncomfortable. Sometimes “awkward” is used lightly, just meaning ‘slightly uncomfortable or not ideal,’ and other times it implies strong secondhand embarrassment or tension. Either way, it’s a staple in describing small social flubs, minor inconveniences, or less-than-smooth events.
Etymology
“Awkward” derives from Middle English “awk,” meaning “backhanded” or “turned in the wrong direction,” combined with the suffix “-ward,” which indicates direction or manner. Initially, the term pointed to clumsy or untoward orientation—something not aligned correctly. Over time, it took on broader senses of inelegance in movement, then discomfort in social or situational contexts. Through centuries, the idea of being ‘turned wrongly’—physically or metaphorically—evolved into the modern concept of awkwardness: a mismatch between a comfortable standard and the reality, sparking embarrassment or difficulty.
