Definition of: awkward

(ôk′wərd) adjective
1. Ungraceful in bearing.
2. Unskilful in action; bungling.
3. Embarrassing or perplexing.
4. Difficult or dangerous to deal with, as an opponent.
5. Inconvenient for use; uncomfortable.
6. Obs. Perverse; untoward. [<ON afug turned the wrong way + -WARD]
—awk′ward·ly adverb
—awk′ward·ness noun Synonyms: boorish, bungling, clownish, clumsy, gawky, maladroit, uncouth, ungainly, unhandy, unskilful. Awkward is offward, turned the wrong way; it was anciently used of a back-handed blow in battle, of squinting eyes, etc. Clumsy originally signified benumbed, stiffened with cold; as, clumsy fingers, clumsy limbs. Thus, awkward primarily refers to action, clumsy to condition. See RUSTIC. Antonyms: adroit, clever, dexterous, handy, skilful.