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What is the difference between clumsy and awkward?

clumsy | awkward |

Awkward is a synonym of clumsy.



As adjectives the difference between clumsy and awkward

is that clumsy is awkward, lacking coordination, not graceful, not dextrous while awkward is lacking dexterity in the use of the hands, or of instruments.

As a noun clumsy

is a clumsy person.

As an adverb awkward is

in a backwards direction.

clumsy

English

Adjective

(er)
  • awkward, lacking coordination, not graceful, not dextrous
  • He's very clumsy . I wouldn't trust him with carrying the dishes.
  • Not elegant or well-planned, lacking tact or subtlety
  • It is a clumsy solution, but it might work for now.
    What a clumsy joke...
  • awkward or inefficient in use or construction, difficult to handle or manage especially because of shape
  • Noun

    (clumsies)
  • A person.
  • Synonyms

    * butterfingers * klutz

    See also

    * clumsies

    Anagrams

    * *

    awkward

    English

    Adverb

    (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.

    Adjective

    (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.

    Synonyms

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

    Antonyms

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

    Derived terms

    * awkwardly * awkwardness