Definition

1. Adverb:
   • In an awkward, ungraceful, or uncoordinated manner: Performing an action without skill, grace, or dexterity, often resulting in a lack of smoothness or precision.
   • In a tactless or socially awkward way: Behaving or speaking in a manner that is insensitive or lacking in finesse.

Usage and Examples

• Adverb (Physical Action):
  • He tried to fix the watch but handled the tiny screws clumsily.
  • The dancer moved clumsily across the stage, missing several steps.
• Adverb (Social/Verbal Action):
  • She clumsily changed the subject, making the awkward silence even more obvious.
  • He apologized clumsily, offending her further with his poor choice of words.

Advanced Usage and Nuances

• "To fumble clumsily": This collocation emphasizes groping or handling something in an uncoordinated way, often while searching.
  • In the dark, she fumbled clumsily for the light switch.
• Used to describe the execution of a task: It often implies a visible lack of skill or care.
  • The report was clumsily written, full of errors and poor structure.

Variants and Related Words

• Clumsy (Adjective): Lacking grace or skill in movement or execution; tactless.
  • His clumsy attempt at diplomacy made the situation worse.
• Clumsiness (Noun): The quality or state of being clumsy.
  • The clumsiness of the translation made the text difficult to understand.

Synonyms

• Awkwardly: In a manner that is not smooth or graceful.
• Ungracefully: Without grace or elegance.
• Ineptly: Without skill or competence.
• Gracelessly: Lacking grace, especially in social conduct.

Antonyms

• Gracefully: In an elegant and smooth manner.
• Dexterously: With skill and agility, especially with the hands.
• Adroitly: With cleverness or skill, particularly in handling situations.
• Nimbly: In a quick, light, and agile way.

Related Phrases and Idioms

• "All thumbs": An idiom meaning very clumsy, especially with one's hands. While not containing the word "clumsily," it describes the same concept.
  • When it comes to sewing, I'm all thumbs.
• "Put one's foot in one's mouth": An idiom meaning to say something tactless or embarrassing. This relates to the social meaning of acting clumsily.
  • He really put his foot in his mouth with that clumsily worded comment.

Adverb

1. in a clumsy manner
   • he snatched the bills clumsily