awkward

== English == === Etymology === From awk (“odd, clumsy”) +‎ -ward. Compare Middle English aukeward (“in the wrong direction”). === Pronunciation === (UK) (Received Pronunciation) IPA(key): /ˈɔːk.wəd/ (Northumbria) IPA(key): /ˈaːk.wɐd/ (General American) IPA(key): /ˈɔk.wɚd/ (cot–caught merger) IPA(key): /ˈɑk.wɚd/ (General Australian) IPA(key): /ˈoː.kwəd/ Hyphenation: awk‧ward === Adjective === awkward (comparative more awkward, superlative most awkward) Lacking dexterity in the use of the hands, or of instruments. Synonyms: clumsy, lubberly, ungraceful, unhandy, gawky Antonyms: dexterous, gainly, graceful, handy, skillful Not easily managed or effected; embarrassing. Synonym: recalcitrant Lacking social skills, or uncomfortable with social interaction. Synonyms: maladroit, gauche Antonyms: amiable, cool Perverse; adverse; difficult to handle. ==== Derived terms ==== ==== Translations ==== === Noun === awkward (plural awkwards) Someone or something that is awkward. === References ===