awkward; uncomfortable; stubborn; not smooth
Meanings
4 senses · 20 examplesadjective
annoying; unsatisfactory; not going smoothly
informalDescribes situations, weather, or feelings that cause frustration.
This weather is so annoying, cold one moment and hot the next.
Things didn't go well, and I feel quite upset about it.
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The interface of this new machine feels very awkward to use.
The plan was changed at the last minute, and everyone felt very uncomfortable.
He always feels this job is a bit of a poor fit and not quite right for him.
adjective
stubborn; difficult; not getting along
informalDescribes a person's temper or an awkward relationship between people.
to have a falling-out; to be at odds
He has a rather difficult temper, so you need to be careful when speaking to him.
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The two of them are a bit awkward with each other and can't have a proper conversation.
Don't be difficult with the child, communicate properly.
The couple had a tiff all evening over a trivial matter.
adjective
awkward; not fluent; not smooth (language)
informalUsed to describe writing or speech that feels clunky, unnatural, or poorly structured.
This sentence is a bit awkward and needs to be revised.
He just started learning Chinese, and his sentences always sound a bit unnatural.
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The translation of this article is very awkward and doesn't read smoothly.
Poor word choice can make an entire paragraph seem clunky.
There were a few places in his speech draft where the grammar was awkward, so I helped him fix them.
adjective
unnatural; constrained; ill at ease
informalDescribes a feeling of social discomfort, shyness, or being out of place.
Having a meal with strangers always feels a bit awkward.
Speaking in front of so many people for the first time, he seemed very ill at ease.
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Wearing formal attire to a picnic makes me feel completely out of place.
Don't be so stiff, relax, just like you're at home.
He didn't know anyone at the party, so he awkwardly stood in the corner.