1
a
: lacking dexterity or skill (as in the use of hands)
I'm awkward with a needle and thread.
b
: showing the result of a lack of expertness
an awkward attempt
awkward pictures
2
3
a
: lacking social grace and assurance
an awkward newcomer
b
: causing embarrassment
an awkward moment
4
: not easy to handle or deal with : requiring great skill, ingenuity, or care
an awkward load
an awkward diplomatic situation
5
obsolete
: perverse
6
archaic
: unfavorable, adverse
awkwardly
adverb
awkwardness
noun
Synonyms
Examples of awkward in a Sentence
I was electrified by what I learned in college. Still socially awkward, I had the bad habit of stopping strangers in the street to pour my heart out about the latest marvel I had learned.
—
Jaron Lanier, Curious Minds, (2004) 2005
Greene must have known that such men would not spill the beans about his irregular life or ask awkward questions, though Burgess famously teased him for being … a poseur, and was banished.
—Paul Theroux, New York Times Book Review, 17 Oct. 2004
On the ground, vultures are hunched and awkward bundles of feathers, but in the air, where I watch them during much of the day, they are magnificent graceful soarers.
—Words From the Land, Stephen Trimble, editor, 1988
She is awkward at dancing.
He had large feet and his walk was awkward and ungainly.
The story contained some awkward writing.
She is an awkward writer.
The machine is very awkward to operate.
I often find myself in awkward situations.
He was put in the awkward position of having to write the memo.
There was an awkward pause in the conversation.
He feels awkward with strangers.
Jaron Lanier, Curious Minds, (2004) 2005
Greene must have known that such men would not spill the beans about his irregular life or ask awkward questions, though Burgess famously teased him for being … a poseur, and was banished.
—Paul Theroux, New York Times Book Review, 17 Oct. 2004
On the ground, vultures are hunched and awkward bundles of feathers, but in the air, where I watch them during much of the day, they are magnificent graceful soarers.
—Words From the Land, Stephen Trimble, editor, 1988
She is awkward at dancing.
He had large feet and his walk was awkward and ungainly.
The story contained some awkward writing.
She is an awkward writer.
The machine is very awkward to operate.
I often find myself in awkward situations.
He was put in the awkward position of having to write the memo.
There was an awkward pause in the conversation.
He feels awkward with strangers.
Recent Examples on the Web
Giving cash doesn’t have to be awkward Despite popular convention that cash presents are gauche, tacky, or uninspired, Post says the annals of etiquette wisdom permit monetary gifts.
—Allie Volpe, Vox, 19 Nov. 2024
The argument is also awkward for Warner Bros. Discovery, given Rowling and Oliver are effectively colleagues.
—Jake Kanter, Deadline, 19 Nov. 2024
Things were awkward for a moment, and the bride took her niece aside to reassure her that her inclusion in the bridal party was not changing.
—Marina Watts, People.com, 19 Nov. 2024
The legs grew before the rest of the body, so the gait was awkward at first.
—Sean Keeler, The Denver Post, 18 Nov. 2024
See all Example Sentences for awkward 
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Allie Volpe, Vox, 19 Nov. 2024
The argument is also awkward for Warner Bros. Discovery, given Rowling and Oliver are effectively colleagues.
—Jake Kanter, Deadline, 19 Nov. 2024
Things were awkward for a moment, and the bride took her niece aside to reassure her that her inclusion in the bridal party was not changing.
—Marina Watts, People.com, 19 Nov. 2024
The legs grew before the rest of the body, so the gait was awkward at first.
—Sean Keeler, The Denver Post, 18 Nov. 2024
See all Example Sentences for awkward
Articles Related to awkward
Dictionary Entries Near awkward
Cite this Entry
“Awkward.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/awkward. Accessed 30 Nov. 2024.
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