easy
His awkward throw missed the basket.
What does Awkward mean?
Awkward means clumsy or uncomfortable.
Dictionary definition
Not smooth, easy, or comfortable in movement, timing, or social situations.
Example sentences
Awkward in a sentence
medium
There was an awkward pause before anyone answered.
hard
The character felt awkward speaking in front of the new class.
Writing practice
Ready to write your own? Study the examples, then practice awkward in a sentence with Sentence Builder checklist feedback.
Quick practice
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Practice the meaning of Awkward
Answer three quick questions about its meaning and related words.
Question 1 of 3
Practice 1
What does awkward mean?
The correct answer matches the definition: clumsy or uncomfortable.
Practice 2
Which word is closest in meaning to awkward?
Clumsy is close in meaning to awkward in this dictionary entry.
Practice 3
Which word is an antonym of awkward?
Graceful contrasts with awkward in this dictionary entry.
Practice complete
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You completed 3 questions.
Pronunciation coach
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Awkward
Voice settings
Sounds like
awk · werd · strongest beat: awk
Tap each sound part, then blend the whole word together.
Learn
WordAwkward.
Partadjective.
MeaningAwkward means clumsy or uncomfortable.
ExampleExample: His awkward throw missed the basket.
Word breakdown
2 syllables. Say each part, then blend the word.
- Syllables
- awk · werd
- Strongest beat
- awk
- Ending
- werd
- Tip
- Put a little extra energy on awk.
Your turn
Say Awkward
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Nice work—you practiced awkward.
Synonyms
Words like Awkward
Antonyms
Opposite words
gracefulUse when movement looks smooth and controlled.
comfortableUse when a situation feels natural and easy.
Synonym practice
Want to practice awkward synonyms in context? Try a Synonym Search question like "The final paragraph felt awkward, so the editor revised it again," then compare close word choices. Practice awkward synonyms.
Word family
Awkward word family
Base word
awkward
adjective
awkward
Base form.
adverb
awkwardly
In this manner (when used).
noun
awkwardness
State or quality (when used).
Related words
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Student support
Understand Awkward
Hint for students
Awkward means clumsy or uncomfortable.
Common mix-up
Awkward is not the same as graceful. Awkward means awkward means clumsy or uncomfortable.
Try it in class or at home
Read this model sentence: There was an awkward pause before anyone answered. Clue words: there, pause, anyone. Underline clue words that show why awkward fits instead of graceful. Now write one new sentence that shows awkward without using the word awkward. Ask: Does my sentence clearly show awkward?
Teacher prompt
Ask students to explain this model sentence: "There was an awkward pause before anyone answered." Why does awkward fit better than graceful?
Learning activities
Practice Awkward and explore more word games
Cards labelled “Practice AWKWARD” keep this word in focus. Explore cards open games with other words.
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Sentence Builder
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Context Clue Challenge
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Synonym Search
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