Awkward vs Embarrassment - What's the difference?

As an adverb awkward

is in a backwards direction.

is lacking dexterity in the use of the hands, or of instruments.

a state of discomfort arising from bashfulness or consciousness of having violated a social rule; humiliation.

(en adverb)

(obsolete) In a backwards direction.

*, Bk.V, Ch.x:

Than groned the knyght for his grymme woundis, and gyrdis to Sir Gawayne and awkewarde hym strykes, and.

(en-adj)

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.

Not easily managed or effected; embarrassing

That was an extremely awkward moment. Everyone was watching.

An awkward silence had fallen.

Lacking social skills, or uncomfortable with social interaction

I'm very awkward at parties.

Things get very awkward whenever 60-year old men use cheesy pick-up lines on me.

Perverse; adverse; difficult to handle

He's a right awkward chap.

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

* (lacking dexterity) clumsy, ungraceful, unhandy, lubberly * (lacking social skill) maladroit

* (having dexterity) dexterous, graceful, skillful, gainly * (having social skills) cool, amiable

* awkwardly * awkwardness

(en noun)

A state of discomfort arising from bashfulness or consciousness of having violated a social rule; humiliation.

A state of confusion arising from hesitation or difficulty in choosing.

A person or thing which is the cause of humiliation to another.

''Kevin, you are an embarrassment to this family.

''Losing this highly publicized case was an embarrassment to the firm.

* '>citation

(medical) Impairment of function due to disease: respiratory embarrassment .

* embarrassment of riches

* *