adj. 1. Not graceful; ungainly. 2. a. Not dexterous; clumsy. b. Clumsily or unskillfully performed: The opera was marred by an awkward aria. 3. a. Difficult to handle or manage: an awkward bundle to carry. b. Difficult to effect; uncomfortable: an awkward pose. 4. a. Marked by or causing embarrassment or discomfort: an awkward remark; an awkward silence. b. Requiring great tact, ingenuity, skill, and discretion: An awkward situation arose during the peace talks. [Middle English awkeward, in the wrong way : awke, wrong (from Old Norse öfugr, backward; see apo- in the Appendix of Indo-European roots) + -ward, -ward.] awkward·ly adv. awkward·ness n. |
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