Word.ws English Dictionary

Synonyms of awkward

9 similar words · 7 opposite words

Another word for awkward is clumsy. Other synonyms of awkward are gawky and gauche. The opposite of awkward is handy.

Synonyms and similar words for awkward

adjectiveLacking dexterity in the use of the hands, or of instruments.

  • clumsyAwkward, lacking coordination, not graceful, not dextrous.
  • lubberly
  • ungracefulNot graceful; lacking grace.
  • unhandyAwkward; not convenient.
  • gawkyAwkward, ungainly; lacking grace or dexterity in movement.

adjectiveNot easily managed or effected; embarrassing.

adjectiveLacking social skills, or uncomfortable with social interaction.

  • maladroitNot adroit; awkward, clumsy, inept.
  • gaucheAwkward or lacking in social graces; bumbling; apt to make gaffes.

adjectivePerverse; adverse; difficult to handle.

  • cantankerous informalGiven to or marked by an ill-tempered, quarrelsome nature; ill-tempered, cranky, crabby.

Opposite of awkward

adjectiveLacking dexterity in the use of the hands, or of instruments.

adjectiveLacking social skills, or uncomfortable with social interaction.

  • amiable
  • coolKnowing what to do and how to behave; behaving with effortless and enviable style and panache; considered popular by...

Meaning of awkward

  1. adjective Lacking dexterity in the use of the hands, or of instruments.
  2. adjective Not easily managed or effected; embarrassing.
  3. adjective Lacking social skills, or uncomfortable with social interaction.

Full definition of awkward

awkward in other languages

Questions about synonyms of awkward

What is another word for awkward?
Awkward has 9 synonyms on Word.ws, such as clumsy, gawky and gauche.
What is the opposite of awkward?
The opposite of awkward is handy.
What does awkward mean?
Awkward means lacking dexterity in the use of the hands, or of instruments.

Source and license

Adapted from Wiktionary: awkward (page history and authors) and the entries of the words listed. Text available under the Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 license. Word.ws grouped the synonyms and antonyms by meaning and added links. Wiktionary data of 2026-09-02.

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Cite this page: “Synonyms of awkward.” Word.ws, https://word.ws/synonyms/awkward. Based on Wiktionary, CC BY-SA 4.0.