# clumsy

/ˈkɫəmzi/ (US) · /klˈʌmzi/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/clumsy
Updated: 2026-08-08

## Senses

### 1. physically awkward

adjective · CEFR A2

moving in an awkward way and often dropping things or bumping into furniture.

For teachers: lacking physical coordination, grace, or dexterity in movement.

- I am very clumsy in the morning and often spill my coffee.
- The clumsy puppy tripped over its own oversized paws while trying to chase the ball across the lawn.

### 2. lacking tact

adjective · CEFR B2

done without skill or care, often hurting someone's feelings by mistake.

For teachers: lacking social grace, tact, or subtlety; poorly executed in a way that seems insensitive.

- He made a clumsy attempt to apologise, but he only made her angrier.
- The administration's clumsy handling of the PR crisis only served to alienate their most loyal supporters.

### 3. badly designed

adjective · CEFR B2

difficult to use or move because of its shape or size.

For teachers: awkward or inefficient in construction or management; difficult to handle due to poor design.

- The old software has a clumsy interface that is hard to navigate.
- The prototype was far too clumsy for field use, requiring two people just to lift the heavy battery pack.

### 4. an awkward person

noun · CEFR C1 · Informal

a person who is often awkward or drops things.

For teachers: an informal designation for an uncoordinated or socially inept person.

- Don't let that clumsy hold the vase; he will definitely break it.
- She was a bit of a clumsy in her teens, but she eventually grew into a professional dancer.

Usage: Usually functions as a countable noun, often preceded by 'a bit of a' or 'such a'.

## Examples

- He is clumsy and often trips over his own feet.
- The clumsy waiter knocked over a glass of water on the white tablecloth.
- Her clumsy attempt to hide the letter only drew more attention to the secret she was trying to keep.

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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.