Synonyms for

Awkward

Verb / ˈɑ:kwɜ:d / / ˈɔ:kwɜ:d / Another word for awkward — explore alternatives below. For syllable breakdowns and pronunciation, see this word on Syllablesworld.

Definition

not graceful; clumsy; hard to deal with; embarrassing

Synonyms & similar words

bunglesome embarrassing cumbersome clumsy graceful illatease ungainly inept sticky inapt unenviable illchosen uneasy clumsy unwieldy ungainly uncoordinated ungraceful inelegant uncomfortable embarrassing difficult unmanageable troublesome clunky chunky heavy-handed bumpy unpolished crude rough unrefined rustic

Synonyms by register

Formal

inept clumsy ungainly unskillful

Informal

cringey embarrassing stiff off weird

Literary

gauche unpolished uncouth

Antonyms

graceful smooth poised comfortable easy natural skillful

Common collocations

  • awkward silence
  • awkward moment
  • awkward situation
  • awkward pause
  • awkward encounter
  • awkward smile
  • awkwardly phrased

Word family

noun awkwardness
adjective awkward
adverb awkwardly

Usage note

Often describes social discomfort or physical clumsiness. Can also refer to something difficult or inconvenient to handle.

Example sentences

  1. He felt awkward and out of place at the party.
  2. She had an awkward moment when she tripped on the stairs.
  3. The new student was awkward and shy.
  4. The vase was awkward to carry because it was so heavy.
  5. He had an awkward conversation with his boss about his performance.

Quotes

  • I am an awkward person. I always say what I'm thinking.
  • I'm a little awkward at parties.
  • It's awkward being a teenager.

Try these popular words

the and that for you with was this are have not from

Practice

Play the Word Synonyms game · Choose level (start near 1)

Worksheets

Grade 4 · Grade 5 · Grade 6

Topics

Guides

Explore more words