Definify.com
Webster 1913 Edition
Awkward
Awk′ward
(a̤k′weẽrd)
, Adj.
[
Awk
+ -ward
.] 1.
Wanting dexterity in the use of the hands, or of instruments; not dexterous; without skill; clumsy; wanting ease, grace, or effectiveness in movement; ungraceful;
as, he was
awkward
at a trick; an awkward
boy.And dropped an
awkward
courtesy. Dryden.
2.
Not easily managed or effected; embarrassing.
A long and
awkward
process. Macaulay.
An
awkward
affair is one that has gone wrong, and is difficult to adjust. C. J. Smith.
3.
Perverse; adverse; untoward.
[Obs.]
“Awkward casualties.” “Awkward wind.” Shak.
O blind guides, which being of an
awkward
religion, do strain out a gnat, and swallow up a cancel. Udall.
Syn. – Ungainly; unhandy; clownish; lubberly; gawky; maladroit; bungling; inelegant; ungraceful; unbecoming.
–
– Awkward
, Clumsy
, Uncouth
. Awkward has a special reference to outward deportment. A man is clumsy in his whole person, he is awkward in his gait and the movement of his limbs. Clumsiness is seen at the first view. Awkwardness is discovered only when a person begins to move. Hence the expressions, a clumsy appearance, and an awkward manner. When we speak figuratively of an awkward excuse, we think of a lack of ease and grace in making it; when we speak of a clumsy excuse, we think of the whole thing as coarse and stupid. We apply the term uncouth most frequently to that which results from the lack of instruction or training; as, uncouth manners; uncouth language. Awk′ward-ly
(a̤k′weẽrd-ly̆)
, adv.
Awk′ward-ness
, Noun.
Webster 1828 Edition
Awkward
AWK'WARD
,Adj.
1.
Wanting dexterity in the use of the hands or of instruments; unready; not dexterous; bungling; untoward.2.
Inelegant; unpolite; ungraceful in manners; clumsy; unnatural; bad.