Want to say clumsy differently? Here are other words for clumsy and its similar synonyms and opposite words to say in unique way.
Meaning of clumsy
The primary meaning of the word "clumsy" is having or showing a lack of skill or coordination in movement or action.
Etymology of clumsy
The word "clumsy" has its roots in the Old English word "clūmsian" which means to be numb or paralyzed, and later developed to mean being awkward or clumsy
The word has been used in the English language since the 16th century to describe someone or something as being awkward or uncoordinated
Synonyms
awkward
ungainly
uncoordinated
clumsy
inept
inelegant
gauche
maladroit
hapless
accident-prone
butterfingered
heavy-handed
ham-fisted
spastic
gangling
gawky
lumbering
stumbling
fumbling
bumbling
blundering
stumbling
tripping
staggering
lurching
tottering
unsteady
unstable
unbalanced
graceless
awkwardly
clumsily
ineptly
maladroitly
gauchely
amateurish
unskilled
inexperienced
incompetent
ineffectual
useless
helpless
feeble
weak
infirm
frail
spindly
rickety
wobbly
shaky
teetering
careening
Definitions
- The Oxford Languages definition of "clumsy" is:
- * (of a person) awkward or inept in movement or action
- * (of an object or action) awkward to handle or manage
- * lacking in skill or coordination
- * Other definitions include:
- * having or showing a lack of skill or coordination in movement or action
- * awkward or ungainly in movement or action
- * inept or inelegant in manner or movement
Usage Examples
- She was a clumsy dancer and kept tripping over her own feet
- * He was a clumsy lover and always seemed to say the wrong thing
- * The clumsy design of the new smartphone made it difficult to use
- * The clumsy waiter spilled drinks all over the table