clumsy
/'klʌmzi/
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
- Adjective:
- Lacking physical coordination or dexterity; awkward in movement: Describes a person or their actions that are not graceful or smooth, often resulting in dropping things or tripping.
- Difficult to handle or use because of size, shape, or design: Describes an object that is unwieldy, bulky, or not user-friendly.
- Done without skill or tact; awkward: Describes an action, remark, or piece of work that is poorly executed or socially inept.
Usage and Examples
- Describing a person's physical actions:
- He was clumsy and always knocking things over.
- Her clumsy fingers struggled to tie the knot.
- Describing an object:
- The package was a clumsy shape, hard to carry.
- The old tools were clumsy and inefficient.
- Describing an action or expression:
- He made a clumsy attempt to apologize.
- The report's clumsy prose made it difficult to understand.
Advanced Usage
- "Clumsy" in figurative contexts: Can describe abstract concepts like systems, processes, or writing that are inefficient or awkward.
- The new software has a clumsy interface.
- The negotiations were hindered by clumsy diplomacy.
Variants and Related Words
- Clumsily (adverb): In an awkward, ungraceful manner.
- He clambered clumsily out of the boat.
- Clumsiness (noun): The quality or state of being clumsy.
- His clumsiness in the kitchen was legendary.
Synonyms
- Awkward: Lacking grace or skill.
- Ungainly: Moving in a clumsy, lumbering way.
- Gawky: Tall, awkward, and clumsy (often of a young person).
- Unwieldy: Difficult to carry or move because of size, shape, or weight.
- Inept: Having or showing no skill; clumsy.
Antonyms
- Graceful: Having or showing grace or elegance.
- Dexterous: Demonstrating neat skill, especially with the hands.
- Agile: Able to move quickly and easily.
- Adroit: Clever or skillful in using the hands or mind.
Idioms and Phrases
- All thumbs: Very clumsy with one's hands.
- When it comes to sewing, I'm all thumbs.
- Butterfingers: A person who drops things; clumsy.
- Don't let him carry the vase—he's a real butterfingers.
Adjective
- showing lack of skill or aptitude
- a bungling workman
- did a clumsy job
- his fumbling attempt to put up a shelf
- difficult to handle or manage especially because of shape
- an awkward bundle to carry
- a load of bunglesome paraphernalia
- clumsy wooden shoes
- the cello, a rather ungainly instrument for a girl
- not elegant or graceful in expression
- an awkward prose style
- a clumsy apology
- his cumbersome writing style
- if the rumor is true, can anything be more inept than to repeat it now?
- lacking grace in movement or posture
- a gawky lad with long ungainly legs
- clumsy fingers
- what an ungainly creature a giraffe is
- heaved his unwieldy figure out of his chair