Definition

The condition of feeling uncomfortable or clumsy in social situations.

Example

His awkwardness made it hard for him to make friends at the new school.

Conversation

Have you ever felt that kind of awkwardness in a social situation?

Oh, definitely! It can be really uncomfortable sometimes.

Yeah, I hate when there's that silence after someone tells a joke.

Right? It makes the awkwardness even worse!

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Awkwardness is formed from "awkward" (from Old Norse *afkvart*, meaning turned the wrong way) and the suffix "-ness" (meaning the state or quality of). The word describes the state of being turned or positioned in a way that is uncomfortable or clumsy.

Memory Tip

Think of being 'turned the wrong way' ('awkward') and how that creates a sense of discomfort or clumsiness, which is what 'awkwardness' means.

Visually Confused Words