clumsy
12 synonyms and 9 antonyms for clumsy, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Adj — Awkward in movement; lacking grace or coordination.
Synonyms
Everyday swaps
Common words most readers know — safe in any writing.
Less common
Still standard English, but they carry more weight.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
Synonyms by Meaning
1. adj
Awkward in movement; lacking grace or coordination.
“He made a clumsy attempt to catch the falling glass.”
inapt
bunglesome
incompetent
ungainly
cumbersome
clunky
gawky
unwieldy
bungling
inept
fumbling
awkward
Opposites
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.
