awkward
adjective
lacking skill or dexterity.
awkwardness
-
a word derived from
awkward.
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
When I walked into the arcade, I experienced a feeling I’d stuffed down into my subconscious for decades: the stultifying awkwardness of a middle school dance.
From Slate ● Jun. 25, 2026
To equate discomfort and or brief awkwardness with artistic inferiority is a losing game for those who claim to love movies.
From Salon ● Jun. 15, 2026
The ad itself uses coarser language and has given rise to awkwardness: “That makes the LGBTQ+ community think, ‘Oh, Spencer,’ and Heidi, my wife, is a huge gay icon.”
From The Wall Street Journal ● May 29, 2026
So leaning into drama enables you to lean into the hilarity or the quirkiness or awkwardness of humor.
From Los Angeles Times ● May 26, 2026
I struggle to figure out something to say, but nothing that comes to mind seems appropriate, so I just end up staying quiet, prolonging the awkwardness.
From "Warcross" by Marie Lu
