173 Another Word for Awkwardness? – Awkwardness Synonyms & Antonyms

Want to say awkwardness differently? Here are other words for awkwardness and its similar synonyms and opposite words to say in unique way.


Meaning of awkwardness

The state or quality of being awkward, which can manifest physically, socially, or emotionally.

Etymology of awkwardness

The word "awkwardness" originates from the Old English and Old Norse words "awak" or "vakr", meaning "wrong" or "perverse", and the suffix "-ward" or "-ness", which forms a noun indicating a state or quality.
Historically, the term "awkward" emerged in the 14th century to describe something or someone as "turned the wrong way" or "perverse", and later evolved to encompass a range of meanings related to clumsiness, inelegance, and social discomfort.

Synonyms

clumsiness inelegance gaucheness stiffness rigidity self-consciousness embarrassment nervousness apprehensiveness uneasiness discomfort unease constraint restraint formality stiffness awkwardness gangliness clumsiness ineptness maladroitness uncoordinatedness ungracefulness crudeness crudity coarseness boorishness tactlessness insensitivity crudeness roughness harshness gruffness brusqueness curtness bluntness abruptness gruffness sullenness sulky sulky moroseness surliness irritability testiness pettishness peevishness fractiousness crossness crankiness crabbedness cantankerousness irascibility

Definitions

  • The quality of being awkward, which can include physical clumsiness, social ineptness, or emotional unease.
  • * A feeling of embarrassment, self-consciousness, or discomfort in social situations or interactions.

Usage Examples

  • The team's awkwardness on the field was evident in their lack of coordination and poor communication.
  • * She felt a sense of awkwardness during the job interview, struggling to answer questions confidently.
  • * The room fell into an awkward silence after the argument, with neither side willing to break the tension.

Antonyms

elegance refinement poise confidence self-assurance suaveness sophistication smoothness polish finesse delicacy subtlety tact diplomacy graciousness courtesy cordiality affability amiability warmth friendliness approachability gentleness mildness softness pleasantness agreeableness amiableness

Related Adjectives

clumsy inelegant stiff rigid self-conscious nervous apprehensive uneasy uncomfortable constrained restrained formal gangly inept maladroit uncoordinated ungraceful crude coarse boorish tactless insensitive rough harsh gruff brusque curt abrupt gruff sullen sulky morose surly irritable testy peevish fractious cross cranky crabbed cantankerous irascible

Related Nouns

embarrassment clumsiness inelegance stiffness rigidity self-consciousness nervousness apprehensiveness uneasiness discomfort unease constraint restraint formality gangliness ineptness maladroitness uncoordinatedness ungracefulness crudeness crudity coarseness boorishness tactlessness insensitivity

Related Verbs

stumble trip fumble bumble struggle strain wrestle grapple flail falter hesitate stutter stammer mumble murmur blush flush squirm wriggle fidget twitch tremble quake shiver shudder
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