What does awkward mean?
Awkward is an adjective describing things that cause difficulty, discomfort, or embarrassment, as well as people or movements that lack grace and coordination. An awkward silence hangs uncomfortably after a faux pas; an awkward dancer stumbles through steps without ease; an awkward door handle resists every natural grip. The word carries a connotation of social unease more than outright failure — an awkward situation is one everyone wishes to escape rather than a disaster. It is common in everyday speech across all registers, and in modern usage 'socially awkward' has become a familiar, sometimes affectionate, label for shyness or clumsiness in company. Etymologically intriguing, awkward combines a Norse-derived element meaning 'backhanded' or 'turned the wrong way' with the directional suffix '-ward', so its original sense was literally 'in the wrong direction'. That spatial origin still echoes in its modern senses of misfit, mishandling, and unease.
adjectiveCausing difficulty, discomfort, or embarrassment; lacking grace, skill, or ease in movement or manner. It also describes something inconveniently difficult to use, handle, or arrange.
- (of a situation) causing embarrassment or discomfort; socially uneasy
- (of a person or movement) lacking grace or skill; clumsy
- (of an object, arrangement, or task) inconveniently difficult to handle, use, or manage
"There was an awkward pause after he mentioned the layoffs."
"She gave an awkward laugh when the waiter dropped the tray."
"The sofa was too awkward to carry down the narrow stairs."
"Awkward" literally means "in the wrong direction" — it was built from Old Norse "afugr" (turned backwards) plus "-ward", so every awkward moment is etymologically a moment gone the wrong way.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of awkward
Awkward originated in late Middle English (attested from the 14th–15th century) as a blend of 'awk', from Old Norse 'afugr' meaning 'turned backwards' or 'contrary', and the suffix '-ward' indicating direction. Its earliest literal sense was 'in the wrong direction' or 'backhanded', later extended to clumsiness and then to situations that cause discomfort or embarrassment. The same Norse root underlies related '-ward' formations such as 'backward', 'toward', and 'wayward'.
Related word forms
How awkward is actually used
Common in both formal and informal registers. When applied to people, it can be mildly negative or even endearing depending on tone ('socially awkward' is now often used self-deprecatingly). In British English it frequently means 'difficult or uncooperative' of a person, as in 'an awkward customer'.
Easily confused with awkward
'Backward' means directed behind or less advanced, while 'awkward' means clumsy or causing discomfort; the two merely share a similar suffix and cadence.