Word
clumsily
Phoneticsclum·si·ly, stress on the first syllable
US/ˈkɫəmsəɫi/
UK/klˈʌmzɪli/
Adverb of manner
Definition
adv. in an awkward way that makes you drop things or bump into things. You use it when someone moves without care or skill.
adv. in an awkward or uncoordinated way, lacking physical grace, balance, or dexterity.
Examples
“He walks clumsily and often bumps into chairs.”
“She carries the tray clumsily across the crowded cafe, trying not to spill the coffees.”
“He apologized clumsily for the misunderstanding, his words stumbling as much as his attempt to restore the fragile trust between them.”
Examples
simple
“He walks clumsily and often bumps into chairs.”
contextual
“She carries the tray clumsily across the crowded cafe, trying not to spill the coffees.”
complex
“He apologized clumsily for the misunderstanding, his words stumbling as much as his attempt to restore the fragile trust between them.”
Collocations
Common phrases and expressions where native English speakers use the word “clumsily” in context.
Verb
01. clumsily bump into
“He clumsily bumped into the table in the dark.”
adverb + verb + prep
02. clumsily drop
“He clumsily dropped his phone into the sink.”
adverb + verb
03. clumsily knock over
“She clumsily knocked over her glass of water.”
adverb + verb + prep
04. clumsily spill
“She clumsily spilled coffee over the report.”
adverb + verb
05. fumble clumsily
“She fumbled clumsily with her keys at the door.”
verb + adverb
Adjective
06. clumsily built
“They lived in a clumsily built hut near the river.”
adverb + adj
07. clumsily handled
“The clumsily handled situation upset both teams.”
adverb + adj
08. clumsily written
“The essay was clumsily written and hard to follow.”
adverb + adj
09. drop the box clumsily
“He dropped the box clumsily and broke the plates inside.”
10. fumble clumsily with the keys
“She fumbled clumsily with the keys while holding the bags.”
11. knock over a glass clumsily
“He knocked over a glass clumsily during dinner.”
12. land clumsily on one foot
“The gymnast landed clumsily on one foot and lost points.”
Usage
Manner adverb — typically placed after the verb or at the end of the clause.
Real-World Examples
“The Brazilian was clumsily brought down by Pedro Felipe and thrashed the spot-kick into the bottom right corner.” “Victor Muñoz is brought down clumsily by Lewis Hall.” Etymology
From clumsy + -ly.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Word family
ADJECTIVE
ADVERB
Related words
- 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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