awkwardly (B2)

adverb

Pronunciation: /ˈɔːkwərdli/

Definition

In a way that is difficult to do or handle, or that causes embarrassment or discomfort.

Examples

• He stumbled awkwardly over the rug, nearly dropping his coffee.

• She awkwardly tried to change the subject after making a personal comment.

• The new furniture was arranged so awkwardly that it was hard to walk through the room.

How to Use awkwardly

move awkwardly (collocation)

To move in a clumsy or uncoordinated way. — "The injured bird could only move awkwardly along the ground."

stand awkwardly (collocation)

To stand in a stiff or uncomfortable posture. — "He stood awkwardly at the edge of the group, unsure how to join the conversation."

smile awkwardly (collocation)

To give a forced or embarrassed smile. — "She smiled awkwardly when asked about her mistake."

Synonyms of awkwardly

Words with a similar meaning to awkwardly:

• clumsily
• ungracefully
• uncomfortably
• inelegantly

Antonyms of awkwardly

Words with the opposite meaning to awkwardly:

• gracefully
• skillfully
• smoothly

Browse the full Anaversity dictionary