Word Pronunciation & Dictionary

awkward

/ˈɔk.wɚd/

Word Rarity Uncommon

Frequency: 4.29 in modern English

Syllables: awk-ward
IPA: /ˈɔk.wɚd/

18

Scrabble Score

7

Letters

2

Syllables

5

Unique Chars

Meaning

adj

Lacking dexterity in the use of the hands, or of instruments.

adj

Not easily managed or effected; embarrassing.

adj

Lacking social skills, or uncomfortable with social interaction.

adj

Perverse; adverse; difficult to handle.

noun

Someone or something that is awkward.

Example Sentences

"John was awkward at performing the trick. He'll have to practice to improve."
"That was an extremely awkward moment. Everyone was watching."
"An awkward silence had fallen."
"I'm very awkward at parties."
"Things got awkward when my boss tried a cheesy pick-up line on me."
"He's a right awkward chap."

Etymology

Etymology tree Proto-Indo-European *h₂ep Proto-Indo-European *-o Proto-Indo-European *h₂epó Proto-Indo-European *h₃ekʷ- Proto-Indo-European *h₂époh₃kʷos Proto-Germanic *abuhaz Old Norse ǫfugrder. Middle English awke English awk Proto-Indo-European *wert-der. Proto-Germanic *wardaz Old English -weard English -ward English awkward From awk (“odd, clumsy”) + -ward. Compare Middle English aukeward (“in the wrong direction”).

Word Breakdown

Suffix: awk

Regional Pronunciation

American English: /ˈɔk.wɚd/
British English: /ˈɔːk.wəd/

Inflected Forms

more awkward (comparative) most awkward (superlative) awkwards (plural)

Derived Forms

awkwardish awkwardly awkwardness awkweird awky unawkward

Phrases

awkward age awkward squad awkward turtle

Synonyms

clumsy lubberly ungraceful unhandy gawky recalcitrant maladroit gauche cantankerous

Antonyms

dexterous gainly graceful handy skillful amiable cool

Questions

How do you pronounce awkward?: The recorded pronunciation is /ˈɔk.wɚd/.
What does awkward mean?: Lacking dexterity in the use of the hands, or of instruments.
Where does awkward come from?: Etymology tree Proto-Indo-European *h₂ep Proto-Indo-European *-o Proto-Indo-European *h₂epó Proto-Indo-European *h₃ekʷ- Proto-Indo-European *h₂époh₃kʷos Proto-Germanic *abuhaz Old Norse ǫfugrder. Middle English awke English awk Proto-Indo-European *wert-der. Proto-Germanic *wardaz Old English -weard English -ward English awkward From awk (“odd, clumsy”) + -ward. Compare Middle English aukeward (“in the wrong direction”).

How to pronounce awkward

Open the pronunciation page — Open the Speakur entry for “awkward”.
Read the phonetic spelling — Read the IPA spelling (/ˈɔk.wɚd/) so you know which sounds to aim for.
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Repeat and practice — Say “awkward” aloud, matching stress and vowels until it feels natural.