awkwardly

Everyday

1. In a clumsy way that is not smooth or easy, as in «he fell awkwardly». tree →
2. In an embarrassed or uncomfortable way, as when nobody knows what to say. tree →
3. In a way that is hard to handle or badly placed, as in «an awkwardly shaped box». tree →

In the lessons

In stories it tells the reader that a character feels shy, embarrassed or clumsy, or that a moment is uncomfortable. In PE and safety talk, «landed awkwardly» means landed badly and could get hurt. Phrases: «laughed awkwardly», «stood awkwardly», «fell awkwardly».

Examples

• She landed awkwardly and twisted her ankle. tree →
• He smiled awkwardly when everyone sang to him. tree →
• The two new boys stood awkwardly by the door. tree →
• The sofa was awkwardly shaped and would not fit through the door. tree →
• I awkwardly tried to hold three bags and an umbrella. tree →
• They laughed awkwardly after the joke fell flat. tree →
• The bus stop is awkwardly placed on a busy corner. tree →
• He fell so awkwardly that his head stuck in the mud, and there he stood with his legs straight up in the air. tree →

Note

Adverb from the adjective «awkward»; it describes how something is done. Spelling trap: awk-ward-ly has a w twice (awkward). Comparative: more awkwardly. Opposites: smoothly, gracefully, comfortably.