C1 adjective Neutre

awkward

/ˈɔːkwərd/

Describes a situation, person, or movement that is clumsy, uncomfortable, or embarrassing. It often refers to social situations lacking ease or objects that are difficult to handle due to their shape or size.

Exemples

3 sur 5
1

There was an awkward silence after he made the inappropriate comment during dinner.

There was an uncomfortable and embarrassing period of no talking after his comment.

2

The diplomat found himself in an awkward position when the two leaders refused to shake hands.

The official was in a difficult and embarrassing situation regarding the leaders' refusal.

3

It was so awkward bumping into my ex-boyfriend at the gym yesterday.

It was very uncomfortable and socially clumsy meeting my former partner unexpectedly.

Famille de mots

Nom
awkwardness
Adverbe
awkwardly
Adjectif
awkward
Apparenté
gawkiness
💡

Astuce mémo

The 'awk' sound is like a bird (an Auk) trying to walk on land—it looks very 'awkward' and lacks grace.

Quiz rapide

The heavy, circular table was very ________ to move through the narrow doorway.

Correct !

La bonne réponse est : awkward

Exemples

1

There was an awkward silence after he made the inappropriate comment during dinner.

everyday

There was an uncomfortable and embarrassing period of no talking after his comment.

2

The diplomat found himself in an awkward position when the two leaders refused to shake hands.

formal

The official was in a difficult and embarrassing situation regarding the leaders' refusal.

3

It was so awkward bumping into my ex-boyfriend at the gym yesterday.

informal

It was very uncomfortable and socially clumsy meeting my former partner unexpectedly.

4

The researcher noted that the apparatus was awkward to use, leading to slight variations in the data.

academic

The scientist observed that the equipment was difficult and clumsy to handle.

5

The timing of the merger announcement was awkward, coming just days before the CEO's retirement.

business

The scheduling of the news was inconvenient and caused social or professional discomfort.

Famille de mots

Nom
awkwardness
Adverbe
awkwardly
Adjectif
awkward
Apparenté
gawkiness

Collocations courantes

awkward silence a period of silence that feels uncomfortable
awkward phase a period of time, usually in adolescence, characterized by lack of grace
awkward timing when something happens at an inconvenient or poorly chosen moment
awkward question a question that is difficult or embarrassing to answer
awkward movement a physical motion that lacks coordination or flow

Phrases Courantes

an awkward customer

a person who is difficult to deal with or uncooperative

in an awkward spot

in a difficult or embarrassing situation

the awkward squad

a group of people who are difficult to manage or organize

Souvent confondu avec

awkward vs clumsy

'Clumsy' usually refers specifically to physical lack of coordination, while 'awkward' applies to both physical movements and social situations.

awkward vs inconvenient

'Inconvenient' refers to something that causes trouble or extra work, while 'awkward' implies a sense of embarrassment or lack of grace.

📝

Notes d'usage

Use 'awkward' to describe feelings of social discomfort or to describe objects that are physically hard to manage because of their shape. It is a versatile word that covers both social and physical domains.

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Erreurs courantes

Learners often use 'awkward' to mean 'difficult' in a general sense (e.g., 'an awkward exam'), but it should specifically imply difficulty caused by clumsiness, lack of social ease, or poor design.

💡

Astuce mémo

The 'awk' sound is like a bird (an Auk) trying to walk on land—it looks very 'awkward' and lacks grace.

📖

Origine du mot

Derived from the Middle English 'awk' (meaning 'turned the wrong way') and the suffix '-ward' (indicating direction).

Modèles grammaticaux

Used as an adjective before a noun: 'an awkward moment' Used after linking verbs: 'He felt awkward' Followed by an infinitive: 'It is awkward to carry'
🌍

Contexte culturel

In many English-speaking cultures, especially British and American, 'awkwardness' is a common theme in comedy and social self-deprecation.

Quiz rapide

The heavy, circular table was very ________ to move through the narrow doorway.

Correct !

La bonne réponse est : awkward

Mots lis

consequent

C2

In logic and philosophy, a consequent is the second part of a conditional proposition, following the 'if' clause (the antecedent). It represents the result or deduction that follows necessarily or naturally from a previous statement or condition.

administrate

B2

To manage, supervise, or oversee the operations and activities of an organization, program, or system. It involves the practical execution of policies and the organization of resources to achieve specific goals.

administrative

C1

Relating to the organization and management of a business, institution, or government. It describes the practical tasks, systems, and procedures required to keep an entity running efficiently behind the scenes.

assistant

C2

A person who ranks below a senior professional and aids them in their duties, often handling specialized tasks or administrative burdens. In a professional or academic context, an assistant often possesses significant expertise but operates under the direction of a superior to facilitate complex operations.

commissioner

C1

A high-ranking official who is in charge of a government department, a public organization, or a professional sports league. This person is typically appointed to exercise administrative authority or to oversee a specific commission or set of regulations.

computer

C1

A sophisticated electronic device designed to store, retrieve, and process data through programmed instructions. In modern discourse, it encompasses everything from microprocessors in appliances to high-performance servers facilitating global networks.

conclusion

C2

A final judgment, decision, or opinion reached by reasoning after considering all evidence and facts. It also refers to the final part of a piece of writing or a speech that summarizes the main points and provides a closing statement.

consume

C1

To consume means to use up a resource, such as energy, time, or goods, or to eat and drink something. In academic contexts, it often refers to the utilization of information, products, or services by individuals or groups within an economy or social system.

design

C1

A detailed plan or scheme that outlines the functional and aesthetic features of an object or system before it is made. In an academic context, it refers to the deliberate structure or methodology of a study or process designed to achieve specific outcomes.

consumer

B2

A consumer is a person who purchases goods and services for personal use rather than for resale or business purposes. In a broader biological or ecological context, it refers to any organism that feeds on other organisms or organic matter.

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