The word "clumsy" is an adjective used to describe someone or something that lacks skill, grace, or coordination. When we say someone is clumsy, we usually mean they have difficulty moving smoothly or handling things without dropping or breaking them.
Usage Instructions:
Use "clumsy" to describe actions, movements, or objects that are awkward or not graceful.
It can refer to people, animals, or even writing styles.
Examples:
People: "My little brother is so clumsy; he always trips over his own feet."
Objects: "That box is too big and clumsy to carry alone."
Writing: "The author's clumsy prose made the story hard to read."
Advanced Usage:
In a more advanced context, you might describe a "clumsy apology" as an apology that is done in an awkward or insincere way, making it seem less meaningful.
You might refer to a "clumsy attempt" at doing something, which indicates that the effort was poorly executed.
Word Variants:
Clumsily (adverb): This describes how an action is performed in a clumsy way. For example, "She clumsily dropped the glass."
Clumsiness (noun): This refers to the quality of being clumsy. For example, "His clumsiness often gets him into trouble."
Different Meanings:
"Clumsy" can also refer to something that is difficult to handle due to its shape or size, such as an "awkward bundle" or "cumbersome writing style."
In a broader sense, it can describe a lack of elegance or grace in expression, such as a "clumsy apology" or "clumsy prose."
Synonyms:
Awkward
Ungainly
Gawky
Inept
Cumbersome
Idioms and Phrasal Verbs:
While there aren't many direct idioms that use "clumsy," you might hear phrases like: - "Clumsy as a bull in a china shop" - This idiom means someone is very clumsy and likely to cause damage or trouble.
Conclusion:
In summary, "clumsy" describes a lack of skill or grace in actions, objects, or even expressions. It can be used in various contexts to convey awkwardness or difficulty.