awkward

Meanings

1. 1
   adj

   causing inconvenience

   they arrived at an awkward time

2. 2
   adj

   not elegant or graceful in expression

   an awkward prose style

3. 3
   adj

   lacking grace or skill in manner or movement or performance

   an awkward dancer

4. 4
   adj

   difficult to handle or manage especially because of shape

   an awkward bundle to carry

5. 5
   adj

   Lacking dexterity in the use of the hands, or of instruments.

   John was awkward at performing the trick. He'll have to practice to improve.

6. 6
   adj

   Not easily managed or effected; embarrassing.

   That was an extremely awkward moment. Everyone was watching.

7. 7
   adj

   Lacking social skills, or uncomfortable with social interaction.

   I'm very awkward at parties.

8. 8
   adj

   Perverse; adverse; difficult to handle.

   He's a right awkward chap.

Etymology

Etymology tree Proto-Indo-European *-o Proto-Indo-European *h₂epó Proto-Indo-European *h₃ekʷ- Proto-Indo-European *h₂époh₃kʷos Proto-Germanic *abuhaz Old Norse ǫfugrder. Middle English awke English awk Proto-Indo-European *wert-der. Proto-Germanic *wardaz Old English -weard English -ward English awkward From awk (“odd, clumsy”) + -ward. Compare Middle English aukeward (“in the wrong direction”).