maladroit — showing a lack of skill; clumsy
Part of speech: ADJECTIVE
Definition: showing a lack of skill; clumsy
Pronunciation (IPA): /ˌmæləˈdrɔɪt/
Example Sentences
- The waiter's maladroit service included dropping soup on three different customers.
- His maladroit social skills made the job interview incredibly awkward.
- She felt maladroit trying to use chopsticks for the first time in front of her Korean friends.
maladroit
ADJECTIVE[/ˌmæləˈdrɔɪt/]
showing a lack of skill; clumsy
His maladroit attempt to pour wine soaked the entire tablecloth in front of guests.
MAL(bad) + ADROIT(skillful) — showing completely MAL(bad) coordination instead of being ADROIT(skillful), the waiter was highly maladroit and dropped the entire tray.
Trying to steal the car in Detroit, the foolish thief proved to be completely maladroit by locking his own keys inside.
Got the picture? Now let's practice.
🎤Pronunciation
🌳Etymology
Origin
From French maladroit, combining mal- (bad) and adroit (skillful). Adroit itself comes from Old French à droit, meaning 'according to right' or 'properly,' ultimately derived from Latin directus.
Breakdown
mal- (bad, ill) + adroit (skillful, clever) = maladroit (unskillful, clumsy)
🎵Rhyme
🔗Collocations
📝Examples
“The waiter's maladroit service included dropping soup on three different customers.”
“His maladroit social skills made the job interview incredibly awkward.”
“She felt maladroit trying to use chopsticks for the first time in front of her Korean friends.”
“The politician's maladroit response to the crisis only made things worse.”
📚Related Words
Want to master 27,000+ words?
Sign up free for flashcards & quizzes.