See Also: awkward(dictionary)
awkward(dictionary)

awkward (oh)



[Date: 1500-1600; Origin: awk 'turned the wrong way' (15-17 centuries) (from Old Norse ?fugr) + -ward]
making you feel embarrassed so that you are not sure what to do or say
-synonym difficult difficult
::I hoped he would stop asking awkward questions .
::There was an awkward moment when she didn't know whether to shake his hand or kiss his cheek.
::an awkward silence
::A laugh can help people over an awkward situation.
::Philip's remarks put her in an awkward position (=made it difficult for her to know what to do) .
not relaxed or comfortable
::She liked to dance but felt awkward if someone was watching her.
::Geoff looked uneasy and awkward.
::Make sure that the baby is not sleeping in an awkward position.
difficult to do, use, or deal with
::It'll be awkward getting cars in and out.
::The new financial arrangements were awkward to manage.
::A good carpenter can make a cupboard to fit the most awkward space.
::She was afraid he was going to ask an awkward question.
not convenient
::I'm sorry to call at such an awkward time but I won't keep you a minute.
an awkward person is deliberately unhelpful
-synonym difficult difficult awkward about
::The staff wanted to go home and they were getting awkward about a meeting starting so late.
::an awkward customer (=person who is difficult and unhelpful)
-- awkwardly adv
::'I'm very sorry about your sister,' he said awkwardly.
::Vera smiled awkwardly.
-- awkwardness n [U]
::He tried to smooth over the awkwardness of the situation.