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Unusual vs Awkward - What's the difference?

unusual | awkward |

As adjectives the difference between unusual and awkward

is that unusual is unlike what is expected; differing in some way from the norm while awkward is lacking dexterity in the use of the hands, or of instruments.

As an adverb awkward is

(obsolete) in a backwards direction.

unusual

English

Alternative forms

* unusuall (obsolete)

Adjective

(en adjective)
  • Unlike what is expected; differing in some way from the norm.
  • *
  • , title=(The Celebrity), chapter=2 , passage=I had occasion […] to make a somewhat long business trip to Chicago, and on my return […] I found Farrar awaiting me in the railway station. He smiled his wonted fraction by way of greeting, […], and finally leading me to his buggy, turned and drove out of town. I was completely mystified at such an unusual proceeding.}}
  • Not usual.
  • Synonyms

    * (different from the expected) abnormal, rare, strange, weird, (stronger) extraordinary ** See also

    Antonyms

    * (different from the expected) normal, usual

    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