# awkwardly

**Pronunciation:** /ˈɔːkwərdli/ · AWK-werd-lee

**CEFR level:** B2

**Part of speech:** adverb

## Meaning

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.

## Synonyms

- clumsily — Focuses on physical lack of grace or coordination.
- ungracefully — Emphasizes a lack of elegance or smooth movement.
- uncomfortably — Highlights the feeling of unease, especially in social situations.
- inelegantly — Suggests a lack of style, refinement, or grace.

## Antonyms

- gracefully — With smooth, elegant movement.
- skillfully — With competence and expertise.
- smoothly — Without difficulty or sudden movements.

## Common patterns

- move awkwardly — To move in a clumsy or uncoordinated way. — The injured bird could only move awkwardly along the ground.
- stand awkwardly — 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 — To give a forced or embarrassed smile. — She smiled awkwardly when asked about her mistake.

## Collocations

- awkwardly silent — After the argument, they sat awkwardly silent in the car.
- awkwardly phrased — The email was awkwardly phrased, causing some confusion.

Canonical URL: https://anaversity.com/dictionary/english/awkwardly

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