awk·ward
(ôk
w
rd)
KEY
ADJECTIVE:
- Not graceful; ungainly.
-
- Not dexterous; clumsy.
- Clumsily or unskillfully performed:
The opera was marred by an awkward aria.
-
- Difficult to handle or manage:
an awkward bundle to carry.
- Difficult to effect; uncomfortable:
an awkward pose.
-
- Marked by or causing embarrassment or discomfort:
an awkward remark; an awkward silence.
- Requiring great tact, ingenuity, skill, and discretion:
An awkward situation arose during the peace talks.
ETYMOLOGY:
Middle English
awkeward,
in the wrong way :
awke,
wrong (from Old Norse
öfugr,
backward; see
apo- in Indo-European roots) +
-ward,
-ward
OTHER FORMS:
awkward·ly
(Adverb),
awkward·ness
(Noun)
