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clumsy — awkward in movement or manner; lacking grace or skill

Part of speech: ADJECTIVE

Definition: awkward in movement or manner; lacking grace or skill

Pronunciation (IPA): /ˈklʌmzi/

Example Sentences

  • My clumsy cat knocked over three vases while chasing a laser dot.
  • She made a clumsy excuse about her homework being eaten by her goldfish.
  • His clumsy apology only made the situation worse.

clumsy

ADJECTIVE

[/ˈklʌmzi/]

awkward in movement or manner; lacking grace or skill

The clumsy waiter trips and sends a tray of drinks flying across the cafe.
💡 Concept

The clumsy waiter trips and sends a tray of drinks flying across the cafe.

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🎤Pronunciation

🇺🇸 US/ˈklʌmzi/
🇬🇧 UK/ˈklʌmzi/

🌳Etymology

Rootclums
Suffix--y

Origin

Derived from Middle English 'clumse', meaning 'benumbed' or 'paralyzed'. The word originally described the stiffness and loss of sensation caused by cold, later evolving to denote awkward or ungainly physical movements, and eventually acquiring its modern sense of lacking skill or grace.

Breakdown

clumse (benumbed, paralyzed) + -y (adjective suffix forming descriptive words)

🎵Rhyme

fuzzybuzzymuzzy
fuzzy
buzzy
muzzy

🔗Collocations

clumsy fingers
clumsy attempt
feel clumsy
clumsy handling
clumsy movement
socially clumsy

📝Examples

😄 Fun example

“My clumsy cat knocked over three vases while chasing a laser dot.”

😄 Fun example

“She made a clumsy excuse about her homework being eaten by her goldfish.”

“His clumsy apology only made the situation worse.”

😄 Fun example

“The waiter's clumsy service included spilling soup on two different customers.”

📚Related Words

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