awkward
Awkward (adj) means causing or feeling embarrassment or discomfort, especially in a social situation. Example: “There was an awkward silence after his joke fell flat.”
How to Use Awkward
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishUncomfortable, clumsy, or hard to manage.
Word Forms
more awkward comparative, awkwards plural, most awkward superlative
Fill the Gap
Can you complete this real example?
There was an _____ silence after his joke fell flat.
Etymology
From Middle English awke, "clumsy" + -ward.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does “awkward” mean?
The word “awkward” means causing or feeling embarrassment or discomfort, especially in a social situation. In plain terms, uncomfortable, clumsy, or hard to manage.
How do you pronounce “awkward”?
“Awkward” is pronounced AWK-wuhd (/ˈɔk.wɚd/ in IPA).
How do you use “awkward” in a sentence?
Here is “awkward” used in a sentence: “There was an awkward silence after his joke fell flat.”
What part of speech is “awkward”?
“Awkward” is an adjective.
Where does the word “awkward” come from?
The word “awkward” comes from Middle English. From Middle English awke, "clumsy" + -ward.
Is “awkward” a common word?
“Awkward” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the B1 level.
How many meanings does “awkward” have?
“Awkward” has 3 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: causing or feeling embarrassment or discomfort, especially in a social situation.
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