an awkward feeling

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "an awkward feeling" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a sense of discomfort or unease in a particular situation. Example: "When I walked into the room and saw my ex, I was overwhelmed by an awkward feeling."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

10 human-written examples

"But there's no question, I mean, it's an awkward feeling going somewhere where Americans aren't really wanted.

The New York Times - Sports

Perversely, it's the soft bits in Law's routine - deliberate or otherwise - that fertilise the good stuff by creating an awkward feeling in the crowd, which he taps into.

The Guardian

Many male nurses prefer trauma wards or surgery or emergency rooms, dodging what they say is an awkward feeling that comes with working in an obstetric or pediatric unit.

The New York Times

Many of the 85 per cent that voted at the polls in September have an awkward feeling that the 13 per cent who voted for the Sweden Democrats have been able to wield a disproportionate amount of power over Swedish politics.

Independent

You should make a strenuous effort, he advises, but beware of crossing that invisible line: "When some overachieving wannabe presents show-off food at home I always find there is an awkward feeling around the table -- what are we supposed to say as Julian presents us with his copy of some visual masterpiece he found in a chef's (ghostwritten) cookery book?

The New York Times - Books

It's an awkward feeling.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

50 human-written examples

Don't attempt to diffuse any awkward feelings by retracting your resolve.

WikiHow

"At the beginning anyway, he had a slightly awkward feeling about him".

The New York Times

It was such a weird, awkward feeling".

Huffington Post

There might be just a slightly awkward feeling to the introduction of these characters one more time, but under Monroe's guidance the usual feeling of warmth evidenced in the previous books spreads over you.

Huffington Post

It's an awful and awkward feeling.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a social situation, use "an awkward feeling" to convey a sense of unease or tension among individuals. For example, "There was an awkward feeling in the room after the argument."

Common error

Avoid relying too heavily on "an awkward feeling". Vary your descriptions with synonyms like "unease" or "discomfort" to maintain reader engagement and provide a richer portrayal of emotions. It might be helpful to use "uncomfortable sensation" as a replacement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "an awkward feeling" functions as a noun phrase that describes a state of emotional discomfort or unease. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is a standard way to express a particular sensation. It's often used to depict social situations or personal experiences that evoke discomfort.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Wiki

15%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Reference

2%

Encyclopedias

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "an awkward feeling" is a grammatically correct noun phrase used to describe a state of emotional discomfort. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it's appropriate for use in many contexts, although it appears more frequently in news and media sources. When you want to convey this meaning in a more formal manner, use the "sense of unease". Be creative in writing to capture the real awkwardness.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a feeling of unease

Emphasizes the lack of comfort and potential anxiety.

a sense of discomfort

Focuses on the general feeling of being ill at ease.

an uncomfortable sensation

Highlights the physical discomfort associated with the feeling.

a disquieting feeling

Highlights the feeling of anxiety and loss of peace.

a strange feeling

Focuses on the unusual nature of the sensation, rather than the discomfort.

a peculiar sensation

Emphasizes the odd or unusual nature of the feeling.

a troubling sensation

Highlights the worrying or disturbing nature of the feeling.

a queasy feeling

Focuses on the feeling of nausea or unease, often physical.

a self-conscious feeling

Highlights the awareness of oneself and potential embarrassment.

an embarrassing feeling

Focuses on the feeling of shame or humiliation.

FAQs

How can I describe "an awkward feeling" in a more formal way?

In formal contexts, consider using phrases such as "a sense of unease", "a feeling of discomfort", or "a disquieting sensation" to convey a similar meaning with more sophistication. You might also use "uncomfortable sensation".

What situations typically evoke "an awkward feeling"?

"An awkward feeling" often arises in situations involving social missteps, unexpected encounters, or tense interpersonal dynamics. Examples include accidentally overhearing a private conversation or experiencing an unexpected silence in a group setting. These are situations where a "strange feeling" is more than justified.

Is "an awkward feeling" a universally understood expression?

Yes, the phrase "an awkward feeling" is generally well-understood in English-speaking cultures. It effectively communicates a sense of social discomfort or unease. However, the specific situations that trigger this feeling can vary across cultures.

What's the difference between "an awkward feeling" and "an anxious feeling"?

While both describe negative emotions, "an awkward feeling" typically arises from social discomfort or embarrassment, whereas "an anxious feeling" stems from worry, fear, or apprehension. While the first may be caused by a simple mistake, the latter may be a manifestation of a bigger problem.