awkward

Reading level: hard

Estimated CEFR level: B2 — Upper-Intermediate

Estimated from word frequency; not an official CEFR classification.

Definition

  1. adjective causing inconvenience
  2. adjective lacking grace or skill in manner or movement or performance
  3. adjective difficult to handle or manage especially because of shape

Etymology

From awk (“odd, clumsy”) + -ward. Compare Middle English aukeward (“in the wrong direction”).

In classic literature

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