WORD OF THE DAY

AWKWARD

Function: Adjective

Comparative and superlative forms: more awkward; most awkward

Meanings:
1 - a : not graceful : clumsy

e.g. She is awkward at dancing. He had large feet and his walk was awkward and ungainly. An awkward movement.
The story contained some awkward writing.

1- b Lacking skill
e.g. She is an awkward writer.

2 - Difficult to use or handle
e.g. The machine is very awkward to operate.
An awkward tool. The box isn't heavy, but it has an awkward shape and size. (its shape and size make it difficult to carry)

3 - a Not easy to deal with
e.g. It was an awkward (embarrassing) moment for everyone.
Do you often find yourself in awkward situations?
He was put in the awkward position of having to answer the question.
There was an awkward pause in the conversation.

3 - b Not socially graceful or confident. Uneasy or uncomfortable.
e.g. I feel awkward (about) having to ask you to help.
He feels awkward with/around strangers.

Derived forms:
Awkwardly (adverb)
e.g. The baby was crawling awkwardly on her hands and knees.
He fell and landed awkwardly.
An awkwardly written sentence.

Awkwardness noun
Plural: awkwardnesses
e.g. (noncount) A moment of awkwardness occurred after the introduction.
The awkwardness of the writing
There was an awkwardness between us when we last saw each other.