Awkwardness - Meaning, Definition & English Examples
Awkwardness is an uncomfortable feeling caused by social clumsiness, embarrassment, or a lack of ease in a situation. It often arises from uncertainty or mismatched expectations.
Definition:
The state of being uncomfortable, clumsy, or socially uneasy.
Synonyms:
clumsiness, discomfort, embarrassment, inelegance
Part of Speech:
noun
Antonyms:
grace, ease, comfort
Common Collocations:
social awkwardness, awkwardness of youth, moment of awkwardness
Derivatives:
awkward, awkwardly
Usage Tips:
Use "awkwardness" to describe uncomfortable situations or clumsy behavior in social or physical contexts.
Common Phrases:
break the awkwardness, sense of awkwardness, awkwardness lingers
Etymology:
Derived from "awkward," meaning "perverse" in Middle English, later evolving to mean "clumsy" or "uncomfortable."
Examples:
- 1. She felt a sudden awkwardness when she tripped in front of everyone.
- 2. The awkwardness between them grew as neither knew what to say.
- 3. His speech was filled with pauses and moments of awkwardness.
- 4. The room fell into an uncomfortable silence full of awkwardness.