AWKWARD

adjective Etymology: Middle English awkeward in the wrong direction, from awke turned the wrong way, from Old Norse ǫfugr; akin to Old High German abuh turned the wrong way Date: 1530 perverse , unfavorable , adverse , 3. lacking dexterity or skill (as in the use of hands) , showing the result of a lack of expertness , 4. lacking ease or grace (as of movement or expression) , lacking the right proportions, size, or harmony of parts ; ungainly , 5. lacking social grace and assurance , causing embarrassment , not easy to handle or deal with ; requiring great skill, ingenuity, or care , ~ly adverb ~ness noun Synonyms: see: ~