awkwardness
Translation
awkwardness, clumsiness, embarrassment
Examples
He felt a sense of awkwardness at the party.
He felt a sense of awkwardness at the party.
Her awkwardness with tools was obvious.
Her awkwardness with tools was obvious.
Grammar Patterns
a sense of awkwardness a feeling of being uncomfortable He felt a sense of awkwardness at the party.
the awkwardness of (sth.) the quality of being clumsy or embarrassing The awkwardness of the silence was painful.
Similar Words
Synonyms: clumsiness, embarrassment; Antonyms: grace, ease, poise
Etymology
From 'awkward' (from Old Norse 'afugr', meaning 'turned the wrong way') plus the noun-forming suffix '-ness'.
Memory Tips
Picture a penguin trying to walk on land – that's a perfect image of awkwardness.