Definition

1. Adverb:
   • In a clumsy, ungraceful, or uncoordinated manner: Describes movement or physical action that lacks skill, ease, or smoothness.
   • In an embarrassed, uncomfortable, or socially difficult manner: Describes behavior or speech that shows a lack of social ease or confidence, often due to nervousness or an embarrassing situation.

Examples of Usage

• Describing clumsy movement:
  • She carried the large box awkwardly down the stairs.
  • The dancer landed awkwardly and twisted her ankle.
• Describing social discomfort:
  • He laughed awkwardly after telling the joke that no one understood.
  • There was an awkwardly long silence during the meeting.

Advanced Usage

• "to stand/sit awkwardly": to be positioned in a way that looks uncomfortable or unnatural.
  • He stood awkwardly in the corner, unsure of how to join the conversation.
• "to fit awkwardly": to not fit well or suitably into a space or context.
  • The modern sculpture fit awkwardly in the classical gallery.

Variants and Related Words

• Awkward (adjective): clumsy; causing or feeling embarrassment or inconvenience.
  • He made an awkward attempt to apologize.
  • It was an awkward question to answer.
• Awkwardness (noun): the quality or state of being awkward.
  • The awkwardness of the situation was palpable.

Synonyms

• Clumsily: In a way that is awkward in movement or performance.
• Gracelessly: Without grace or elegance.
• Uncomfortably: In a way that causes or shows discomfort.
• Uneasily: In an anxious or uncomfortable manner.

Antonyms

• Gracefully: In an elegant and smooth manner.
• Smoothly: In a fluid and efficient manner without problems.
• Confidently: In a self-assured manner.
• Comfortably: In a relaxed and physically easy manner.

Related Phrases

• To feel awkward: To experience social discomfort or embarrassment.
  • I always feel awkward at large parties.
• An awkward silence: A period of silence that feels socially uncomfortable.
  • His comment was followed by an awkward silence.

Adverb

1. in an awkward manner
   • he bent awkwardly