adj.
Pronunciation: ' kl ə m-z ē
Function: adjective
Inflected Form: clum · si · er ; -est
Etymology: probably from obsolete English clumse benumbed with cold
Date: circa 1598
1 a : lacking dexterity, nimbleness, or grace < clumsy fingers> b : lacking tact or subtlety <a clumsy joke>
2 : awkward or inefficient in use or construction : UNWIELDY <a clumsy contraption>
synonyms see AWKWARD
– clum · si · ly \ -z ə -l ē \ adverb
– clum · si · ness \ -z ē -n ə s \ noun