Awkwardness

/ˈɔːkwərdnəs/

Meaning & Definition

noun

The quality or state of being awkward; a lack of grace or ease in movement or behavior.

Her awkwardness at social gatherings often made her feel out of place.

An uncomfortable or embarrassing situation.

There was an awkwardness in the room after the controversial topic was brought up.

A feeling of self-consciousness or discomfort in a given situation.

He felt a sudden awkwardness when he realized he had forgotten her name.

Clumsiness or difficulty in handling or discussing certain subjects or actions.

The awkwardness of his explanation made the audience more confused.

Derived from the adjective 'awkward', which comes from the Old Scandinavian word 'afugr', meaning 'turned the wrong way'.

social awkwardness

Discomfort in social interactions.

awkward silence

A pause in conversation that feels uncomfortable.

awkward moment

A particular instance that feels uncomfortable or embarrassing.

awkward

Lacking grace or ease in movement or expression.

clumsy

Awkward in movement or action; without skill or grace.

embarrassing

Causing a feeling of self-consciousness or shame.

Awkward turtle

When I didn't know what to say, I just did the awkward turtle.

Awkward squad

We were the awkward squad at the event, just standing in the corner.