awkward

adjective

1. 1

   Lacking dexterity in the use of the hands, or of instruments.

   John was awkward at performing the trick. He'll have to practice to improve.

2. 2

   Not easily managed or effected; embarrassing.

   That was an extremely awkward moment. Everyone was watching.

   An awkward silence had fallen.

3. 3

   Lacking social skills, or uncomfortable with social interaction.

   I'm very awkward at parties.

   Things got awkward when my boss tried a cheesy pick-up line on me.

4. 4

   Perverse; adverse; difficult to handle.

   He's a right awkward chap.

   These cabinets are going to be very awkward when we move.

   Clearing up rock and fallen vegetation at such an awkward site required a team of specialist geoengineers.

noun

1. 1

   Someone or something that is awkward.

   Another important branch of deportment was to seat the awkwards stiffly on the extreme edge of a chair, fold the hands on the very precarious lap, droop the eyes in a pensive way.

   'What periods are you talking about?' / 'The monthly awkwards. Didn't the girls at Molyneux have them when you were managing director?' / The Rabbit leaned forward, sniffing the air in the immediate vicinity. 'Either you've been drinking or you've got some girl into trouble. Or am I being unfair to you and it's both?'

   That is a way to make awkwards. And it's not fun to hang out with awkwards more than once.

Forms

plural

awkwards

comparative

more awkward

superlative

most awkward