Maladroit (en. Clumsy)

/maladʁwa/

Meaning & Definition

EnglishFrench
adjective
Describes someone who shows clumsiness.
He is really clumsy with tools.
Il est vraiment maladroit avec les outils.
Someone who acts with little skill or dexterity.
His clumsiness put him in an embarrassing situation.
Sa maladresse l'a mis dans une situation embarrassante.
Describes an action performed in a clumsy manner.
This clumsy attempt failed.
Cette tentative maladroite a échoué.

Etymology

From the prefix 'mal-' meaning 'bad' and 'adroit' meaning 'skillful'.

Common Phrases and Expressions

clumsy like an elephant in a china shop
Describes someone who is extremely awkward in their actions.
maladroit comme un éléphant dans un magasin de porcelaine
to show clumsiness
To act in a clumsy or ineffective manner.
faire preuve de maladresse
to be awkward in one's words
To say things in an inappropriate or tactless way.
être maladroit dans ses paroles

Related Words

to misalign
To make something awkward or distorted.
gauchir
skill
The ability to act with ease and competence.
habileté
dexterity
Agility in movements.
adresse

Slang Meanings

A bit silly
He acted a bit silly trying to juggle.
Il a agi comme un peu bêta en essayant de jongler.
Not very sharp
His response was not very sharp for a serious discussion.
Sa réponse était pas très finaud pour une discussion sérieuse.