Word Noun
awkwardness
n.
B2 Upper Intermediate US /ˈɔkwɝdnəs/ UK /ˈɔːkwədnəs/ awk·ward·ness UK spelling awkwardnesses
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.”
Etymology
From awkward + -ness.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
This entry
Level B2 · Upper Intermediate
Frequency Occasional
Updated