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Inappropriate vs Awkward - What's the difference?

inappropriate | awkward |

As adjectives the difference between inappropriate and awkward

is that inappropriate is not appropriate; not suitable for the situation, time, and/or place while awkward is lacking dexterity in the use of the hands, or of instruments.

As an adverb awkward is

in a backwards direction.

inappropriate

English

Adjective

(en adjective)
  • Not appropriate; not suitable for the situation, time, and/or place.
  • It is inappropriate to burp at a formal dinner.
    "While PDA or sexual irresponsibility may be considered unsuitable, it is not inappropriate for teenagers in a relationship and nearly of legal age to talk alone."

    Synonyms

    * out of line * unfit * unsuitable

    Derived terms

    * inappropriately * inappropriateness

    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