English Explanatory Dictionary

awkward

English dictionary entry

Meanings

adj
  1. Lacking dexterity in the use of the hands, or of instruments.
  2. Not easily managed or effected; embarrassing.
  3. Lacking social skills, or uncomfortable with social interaction.
  4. Perverse; adverse; difficult to handle.
noun
  1. Someone or something that is awkward.

Pronunciation

/ˈɔːk.wəd/ /ˈaːk.wɐd/ /ˈɔk.wɚd/ /ˈɑk.wɚd/ en-us-ne-awkward.ogg en-us-awkward.ogg /ˈoː.kwəd/ en-au-awkward.ogg

Word forms

awkward more awkward most awkward awkwards

Etymology

Etymology tree Proto-Indo-European *h₂ep Proto-Indo-European *-o Proto-Indo-European *h₂epó Proto-Indo-European *h₃ekʷ- Proto-Indo-European *h₂époh₃kʷos Proto-Germanic *abuhaz Old Norse ǫfugrder. Middle English awke English awk Proto-Indo-European *wert-der. Proto-Germanic *wardaz Old English -weard English -ward English awkward From awk (“odd, clumsy”) + -ward. Compare Middle English aukeward (“in the wrong direction”).

Synonyms

clumsy lubberly ungraceful unhandy gawky recalcitrant maladroit gauche

Antonyms

dexterous gainly graceful handy skillful amiable cool

Derived words

awkward age awkwardish awkwardly awkwardness awkward squad awkward turtle awkweird awky unawkward
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