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awkward

awk·ward [ áwkwərd ]


adjective 
Definition:
 
1. embarrassing: embarrassing and requiring great tact or skill to resolve
I find myself in an awkward situation.

2. difficult or uncomfortable to use: difficult to use because requiring the body to be moved into an uncomfortable position
I find the gear shift very awkward to use when I move the seat forward.

3. performed gracelessly: performed in a way that lacks grace and looks uncomfortable
walked with an awkward gait

4. without graceful coordination: lacking physical coordination and grace
an awkward, gangling adolescent

5. shyly uncomfortable: shy, uncomfortable, and embarrassed
He was always awkward around kids.

[Mid-16th century. < obsolete awk "turned the wrong way" (< Old Norse afugr "turned backward") + -ward]

awk·ward·ly adverb
awk·ward·ness noun
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