Synonyms for

Clumsy

Verb / ˈklʌmzi: / Another word for clumsy — explore alternatives below. For syllable breakdowns and pronunciation, see this word on Syllablesworld.

Definition

awkward in movement or action; without skill or grace

Synonyms & similar words

awkward inept clunky bungling bunglesome incompetent cumbersome ungainly unwieldy fumbling illchosen inapt gawky awkward uncoordinated inept bungling fumbling blundering ungraceful cloddish heavy-handed ham-fisted incompetent maladroit clumsy-fingered klutzy butterfingered cack-handed gawky ham-handed unskillful wooden

Synonyms by register

Formal

ungainly awkward inept gauche

Informal

butterfingered all thumbs two left feet klutzy

Literary

uncouth gawky

Antonyms

graceful agile dexterous nimble skillful adroit elegant

Common collocations

  • clumsy oaf
  • clumsy attempt
  • clumsy accident
  • clumsy handling
  • clumsy mistake
  • clumsy fingers
  • clumsy dancer

Word family

noun clumsiness
adjective clumsy
adverb clumsily

Usage note

Clumsy describes someone or something that is awkward in movement or handling things. It often implies a lack of grace or coordination.

Example sentences

  1. I am so clumsy that I trip over my own feet.
  2. He dropped his phone because he was being clumsy.
  3. She tried to catch the ball, but she was too clumsy.
  4. The clumsy waiter spilled hot soup on the customer.
  5. The baby is still learning to walk and is quite clumsy.

Quotes

  • Clumsiness is often mated with a good heart.
  • Clumsiness is a great feeling, if you're not trying to be elegant.
  • Clumsiness is a talent hard to acquire.

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