transcription, транскрипция: [ ˈȯ-kwərd ]
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
1. obsolete : perverse
2. archaic : unfavorable , adverse
3.
a. : lacking dexterity or skill (as in the use of hands)
awkward with a needle and thread
b. : showing the result of a lack of expertness
awkward pictures
4.
a. : lacking ease or grace (as of movement or expression)
awkward writing
b. : lacking the right proportions, size, or harmony of parts : ungainly
an awkward design
5.
a. : lacking social grace and assurance
an awkward newcomer
b. : causing embarrassment
an awkward moment
6. : not easy to handle or deal with : requiring great skill, ingenuity, or care
an awkward load
an awkward diplomatic situation
• awk·ward·ly adverb
• awk·ward·ness noun
Synonyms:
awkward , clumsy , maladroit , inept , gauche mean not marked by ease (as of performance, movement, or social conduct). awkward is widely applicable and may suggest unhandiness, inconvenience, lack of muscular control, embarrassment, or lack of tact
periods of awkward silence
clumsy implies stiffness and heaviness and so may connote inflexibility, unwieldiness, or lack of ordinary skill
a clumsy mechanic
maladroit suggests a tendency to create awkward situations
a maladroit politician
inept often implies complete failure or inadequacy
a hopelessly inept defense attorney
gauche implies the effects of shyness, inexperience, or ill breeding
felt gauche and unsophisticated at formal parties