clumsiness

[kluhm-zee-nis]

noun

1. awkwardness or lack of skill or grace in movement or action.

   In spite of their large size and reputed clumsiness, bears are fleet-footed.

2. the fact or quality of being awkwardly done or made, or of being poorly contrived, difficult to use, etc..

   The story wasn't bad, but had moments of clumsiness.

   Despite the winning concept of a phone combined with a gaming console, this version was doomed by the clumsiness of its design.

Word History and Origins

Origin of clumsiness¹

First recorded in 1650–60; clumsy ( def. ) + -ness ( def. )