clumsy

Everyday

1. A clumsy person moves in an awkward, careless way, and often drops, bumps or breaks things. tree →
2. A clumsy thing is big, heavy and hard to use or move. tree →
3. Clumsy words or actions are not done well or sensitively: «a clumsy apology». tree →

In the lessons

In everyday life, everyone can be clumsy sometimes, especially when tired or growing fast. In stories, clumsy characters (a clumsy giant, a clumsy puppy) are often funny. In writing lessons, a «clumsy sentence» is awkward and needs rewriting. Phrases: «clumsy fingers», «a clumsy mistake», «a clumsy attempt».

Examples

• I'm so clumsy — I knocked over my drink again. tree →
• The clumsy puppy tripped over its own paws. tree →
• My fingers felt clumsy in the thick gloves. tree →
• The giant was big and clumsy. tree →
• That's a clumsy sentence; try to make it shorter. tree →
• He made a clumsy attempt to say sorry. tree →
• The old wardrobe was too clumsy to carry upstairs. tree →
• Be careful, don't be clumsy with the glass bowl. tree →
• “‘I wonder if that farmer thought to fool me in this clumsy manner. tree →

Note

Spelling: clumsy (no «b»: not «clumbsy»). Comparatives: clumsier, clumsiest. Adverb: clumsily; noun: clumsiness. Opposite: graceful, nimble. Being clumsy is not being bad — be kind if someone drops something.