Word
awkwardness
Phoneticsawk·ward·ness, stress on the first syllable
US/ˈɔkwɝdnəs/
UK/ˈɔːkwədnəs/
Definition
n. a feeling of being uncomfortable or embarrassed in a situation. It can also describe a physical position that is difficult to hold or move in.
n. a state of being uncomfortable or embarrassed, often resulting from social tension or a lack of grace. Also refers to a physical position or object that is difficult to handle or move.
Examples
“The silence in the room made the awkwardness very clear.”
“The awkwardness of the situation was broken when the manager finally arrived to explain the mistake.”
“The architect designed the building to minimize the awkwardness of the space, ensuring that the flow of traffic felt natural and unobstructed.”
Examples
simple
“The silence in the room made the awkwardness very clear.”
contextual
“The awkwardness of the situation was broken when the manager finally arrived to explain the mistake.”
complex
“The architect designed the building to minimize the awkwardness of the space, ensuring that the flow of traffic felt natural and unobstructed.”
Real-World Examples
“Even bringing a friend with her doesn't remove the awkwardness at the start of the night.” “Mukasey also cited Bankman-Fried’s social awkwardness and depression as reasons he is misunderstood, likening him to “a beautiful puzzle”.” “Hence, the potential social awkwardness of body contact between partners who do not know each other well is avoided.” “We expected that a higher level of pleasantness would lead to a stronger calming effect, whereas an increased level of awkwardness would result in a weaker calming effect.” Etymology
From awkward + -ness.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Word family
NOUN
ADJECTIVE
ADVERB
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
- Frequency
- Occasional
- Level
- B2 · Upper Intermediate
- Updated
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englishreference.com/q/awkwardness