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REFERENCE

awkward

adj.
US //ˈɑkwɝd// UK //ˈɔːkwəd// awk·ward
  1. 1 socially uncomfortable (adj.)
    B1 Intermediate

    feeling embarrassed or not knowing what to say in a social situation.

    characterised by social discomfort, embarrassment, or a lack of social grace.

    Example

    There was an awkward silence after he told a joke that nobody understood.

    Example

    The dinner party became increasingly awkward when the host and hostess began a heated argument in front of their guests.
  2. 2 difficult to handle (adj.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate

    hard to use, move, or deal with because of its shape or size.

    difficult to use, manage, or manipulate due to physical shape, weight, or logistical complexity.

    Example

    It was an awkward box to carry up the stairs because it had no handles.

    Example

    The piano proved to be an awkward piece of furniture to move, requiring three people just to navigate the narrow hallway.
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  1. 3 clumsy movement (adj.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate

    moving in a way that is not smooth or graceful.

    lacking physical coordination or grace in movement or posture.

    Example

    The young bird made an awkward attempt to fly for the first time.

    Example

    He felt awkward and self-conscious on the dance floor, convinced that his movements were stiff compared to the others.
  2. 4 inconvenient (adj.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate

    happening at a time or in a way that causes problems.

    causing difficulty or inconvenience; ill-timed.

    Example

    I'm sorry to call at such an awkward hour, but I really need your help.

    Example

    The meeting was scheduled at an awkward time, forcing several department heads to cancel their existing appointments.
Origin

Etymology tree 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”).

Word family

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