awkwardly
adv.in a way that is not smooth, comfortable, or natural. You use it when someone moves in a clumsy way or when a situation feels embarrassing.
adv.in a manner lacking grace, dexterity, or social ease. Often describes physical movement or social interactions that feel strained or uncoordinated.
“He stood awkwardly by the door, not knowing who to talk to.”
“The two former friends bumped into each other at the supermarket and chatted awkwardly for a few minutes.”
“The heavy wardrobe was shaped so strangely that the movers had to carry it awkwardly up the narrow staircase, pausing at every turn to adjust their grip.”
Typically follows the verb it modifies or sits at the end of the clause.
“All Wagoner can do is awkwardly laugh as he says, “Would you run – me by that one more time.” Wagoner eventually recovers and the two cheerfully finish the song to applause.”
From awkward + -ly.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.