# awkwardness

/ˈɔkwɝdnəs/ (US) · /ˈɔːkwədnəs/ (UK) · CEFR B2 · Noun

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/awkwardness
Updated: 2026-05-18

## Definition

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.

For teachers: 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.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.