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clumsy

9 antonyms for clumsy — opposites grouped by meaning.

Adj — Awkward in movement; lacking grace or coordination.

Synonyms by Meaning

1. adj

Awkward in movement; lacking grace or coordination.

“He made a clumsy attempt to catch the falling glass.”

Opposites

2. adj

Poorly made, handled, or expressed; lacking skill or tact.

“It was a clumsy attempt at an apology.”

Opposites

Antonyms

How to use clumsy

The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.

clumsy attempt clumsy movements clumsy apology

Etymology

Likely from an older word "clumse", meaning numb or stiff with cold, plus the adjective ending -y.

Full origin of clumsy →

Frequently asked questions

What does “clumsy” mean?
The word “clumsy” means awkward in movement; lacking grace or coordination. In plain terms, awkward and uncoordinated, whether physically or in how something is done or said.
How do you pronounce “clumsy”?
“Clumsy” is pronounced KLUHM-zee (/ˈklʌmzi/ in IPA).
How do you use “clumsy” in a sentence?
Here is “clumsy” used in a sentence: “He made a clumsy attempt to catch the falling glass.”
What part of speech is “clumsy”?
“Clumsy” is an adjective.
Is “clumsy” a common word?
“Clumsy” is an uncommon word in modern English, usually learned at around the B2 level.
How many meanings does “clumsy” have?
“Clumsy” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: awkward in movement; lacking grace or coordination.

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Synonyms and antonyms from Wiktionary, CC BY-SA.