Synonyms and Antonyms of awkward
1
lacking social grace and assurance
- preteens feeling awkward at their first formal dance
clumsy, gauche, graceless, inelegant, rough-hewn, rustic (also rustical), stiff, stilted, uncomfortable, uneasy, ungraceful, wooden
angular, gawky, lubberly, ungainly
boorish, clownish, uncouth
abashed, discomfited, discomforted, discomposed, disconcerted, discountenanced, embarrassed
self-conscious
agitated, bothered, chagrined, dismayed, disquieted, distressed, disturbed, fazed, flustered, jittery, jumpy, mortified, nervous, nonplussed (also nonplused), perturbed, rattled, unhinged, unsettled, upset
diffident, insecure, meek, modest, self-doubting, timid, unassertive, unassuming, unpretentious
assured, calm, collected, composed, confident, cool, placid, poised, secure, self-assured, self-confident, self-possessed, serene, tranquil, undisturbed, unperturbed
2
showing or marked by a lack of skill and tact (as in dealing with a situation)
- her awkward handling of the seating arrangements at the wedding reception resulted in many hurt feelings
amateur, amateurish, crude, green, incompetent, ineffectual, inefficient, inexperienced, unpolished, unprofessional, unskilled, unskillful
careless, sloppy, tacky, tactless, undiplomatic
ill-advised, ineffective, ineffectual, misdirected, misguided
able, accomplished, adept, capable, clever, competent, consummate, crackerjack, expert, masterful, masterly, polished, professional, proficient, skilled, skillful, talented
diplomatic, easy, effortless, gracious, smooth, tactful
3
causing embarrassment
- the awkward situation of having to listen as your host and hostess quarrel loudly in the next room
confusing, difficult, disagreeable, impossible, inconvenient, intolerable, troublesome, unpleasant, unwieldy
unsettling
debasing, degrading, demeaning, humbling, humiliating, mortifying
