awkwardness (B2)
noun
Pronunciation: /ˈɔːkwərdnəs/
Definition
A state of social discomfort, embarrassment, or clumsiness, often caused by a lack of ease or grace in a situation or in one's behavior.
Examples
The awkwardness between them was palpable after their argument.
He tried to break the awkwardness by changing the subject.
She felt a wave of awkwardness when she realized she'd forgotten his name.
How to Use awkwardness
- awkwardness of (prepositional phrase)
- The specific cause or source of the social discomfort. — "He was unaware of the awkwardness of the situation."
- feel awkwardness (collocation)
- To experience a feeling of social discomfort or unease. — "She began to feel awkwardness creep in as the conversation stalled."
- break the awkwardness (idiom)
- To relieve or end a period of social discomfort or tension. — "He tried to break the awkwardness by telling a joke."
Synonyms of awkwardness
Words with a similar meaning to awkwardness:
Antonyms of awkwardness
Words with the opposite meaning to awkwardness:
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