awkward — causing difficulty; hard to do or deal with
Part of speech: ADJECTIVE
Definition: causing difficulty; hard to do or deal with
Pronunciation (IPA): /ˈɔːkwərd/
Example Sentences
- He gave an awkward wave to his ex-girlfriend across the street.
- The job interview became awkward when I accidentally called the boss 'mom'.
- She felt awkward wearing formal clothes to a casual party.
awkward
ADJECTIVE[/ˈɔːkwərd/]
causing difficulty; hard to do or deal with

The first date turned awkward when both reached for the last fry at once.

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🎤Pronunciation
🌳Etymology
Origin
From Old Norse 'awk' meaning 'turned the wrong way' or 'clumsy', combined with the English suffix '-ward' meaning 'direction' or 'manner'. The word originally described something positioned awkwardly or in an uncomfortable direction.
Breakdown
awk- (turned wrong way, clumsy) + -ward (direction/manner) = awkward
🎵Rhyme
🔗Collocations
📝Examples
“He gave an awkward wave to his ex-girlfriend across the street.”
“The job interview became awkward when I accidentally called the boss 'mom'.”
“She felt awkward wearing formal clothes to a casual party.”
“It was awkward when both of us reached for the last piece of pizza.”
📚Related Words
Synonyms
Antonyms
Related
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