awkward, clumsy, maladroit, inept, gauche mean not marked by ease (as of performance, movement, or social conduct). awkward is widely applicable and may suggest unhandiness, inconvenience, lack of …

awkward adjective (MOVEMENT) moving in a way that is not natural, relaxed, or attractive:

AWKWARD definition: lacking skill or dexterity. See examples of awkward used in a sentence.

1. lacking skill or dexterity; clumsy. 2. lacking grace or ease, as in movement or posture: an awkward gesture. 3. lacking social graces or manners. 4. ill-adapted for ease of use or handling: an awkward …

Definition of awkward adjective in Oxford Advanced Learner's Dictionary. Meaning, pronunciation, picture, example sentences, grammar, usage notes, synonyms and more.

lacking social graces or manners: a simple, awkward frontiersman. not well planned or designed for easy or effective use: an awkward instrument; an awkward method.

Jan 14, 2026 · Adjective awkward (comparative more awkward, superlative most awkward) Lacking dexterity in the use of the hands, or of instruments.

awkward definition: lacking grace or skill in manner or movement. Check meanings, examples, usage tips, pronunciation, domains, and related words. Discover expressions like "make things awkward …

Not having grace or skill; clumsy, as in form or movement; bungling. An awkward dancer, an awkward style.

If you say that someone is awkward, you are critical of them because you find them unreasonable and difficult to live with or deal with.