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Added 9 October 2026

awkward

/ˈɔːk.wəd/ adjective

In Latin: inconcinnus Wiktionary

adjective Definition from WordNet 3.1, Princeton University. Pronunciation from Wiktionary, via Kaikki.org. More about awkward at Wordnik → Where our words come from →

Causing inconvenience.
they arrived at an awkward time
Lacking grace or skill in manner or movement or performance.
an awkward dancer
Difficult to handle or manage especially because of shape.
an awkward bundle to carry

Origin

From awk (“odd, clumsy”) + -ward. Compare Middle English aukeward (“in the wrong direction”).

From Wiktionary, via Kaikki.org (CC BY-SA)

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