awkward edge

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "awkward edge" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation, object, or interaction that feels uncomfortable or lacks smoothness. Example: "The conversation had an awkward edge, making everyone in the room feel uneasy."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

Similarly, the awkward edge of delivering negative feedback to an employee can be blunted by actively coaching the employee and providing them with the means to do better.

Harvard Business Review

They sought to set themselves apart by enabling members to set up group dates: One member, serving as a point person, could arrange a date — a movie, say, or a picnic in Central Park — with a group of other people and thereby take some of the awkward edge off of typical dates.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

But something that movies are good at (the kind that make $209m, anyway) is sanding off a story's awkward edges, making things simple that might not be simple at all.

The Guardian - Film

Thankfully, Sony saw fit to include a full multi-touch display this time around instead of the awkward edge-only navigation scheme seen in the SmartWatch's forebear.

TechCrunch

As with many things, perfection is boring and predictable it's the awkward edges that make us interesting.

Vice

As with many things, perfection is boring and predictable – it's the awkward edges that make us interesting.

Vice

It rolled out an aggressive redesign that made the whole inbox just a layer on top of the Messenger Camera, with awkward round edges atop the rectangular screen.

TechCrunch

"It's awkward," acknowledges JonPaul Edge, a senior who is white.

The New York Times - Magazine

It gives us jutting edges, awkward angles and shorter fuses.

Independent

Perhaps this is what gives his sculpture its awkward vitality and its edge.

The Guardian - Arts

He damaged his lower back when playing a shot from an awkward stance on the edge of a bunker on the 2nd hole in round four at Akron.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "awkward edge" to subtly convey discomfort or a lack of smoothness without being overly critical or blunt. It's useful in professional or neutral contexts where diplomacy is key.

Common error

Avoid using "awkward edge" in casual conversation, as it can sound overly formal or stilted. Opt for more natural alternatives like "uncomfortable" or "weird" in informal contexts.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "awkward edge" primarily functions as a descriptor, modifying a noun to indicate a quality of unease or discomfort. Ludwig examples show it describing interactions or objects that lack smoothness.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

67%

Formal & Business

33%

Science

0%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

"Awkward edge" is a descriptor used to convey a subtle feeling of unease or discomfort, as Ludwig examples demonstrate. It is grammatically correct but relatively rare, found primarily in news and business contexts. While the expression is useful for diplomacy in professional settings, consider alternatives like "uncomfortable aspect" in less formal settings. The expression is most commonly used in neutral settings, according to Ludwig AI.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

uncomfortable aspect

Focuses on the unsettling or uneasy element of something.

uneasy aspect

Similar to uncomfortable, but with a stronger sense of anxiety or concern.

difficult aspect

Highlights the challenging nature of a situation or element.

unpleasant side

Emphasizes the disagreeable or undesirable part of something.

sensitive aspect

Similar to delicate point, focusing on vulnerability or potential for conflict.

tricky element

Suggests a component that requires careful handling.

delicate point

Indicates a sensitive issue that needs careful attention.

clumsy aspect

Implies a lack of grace or finesse in the situation.

unwieldy element

Highlights the difficulty in managing or dealing with something.

thorny issue

Conveys the idea of a problem that is complex and difficult to resolve.

FAQs

How can I use "awkward edge" in a sentence?

You can use "awkward edge" to describe a situation, object, or interaction that feels uncomfortable or lacks smoothness. For instance, "The conversation had an awkward edge, making everyone in the room feel uneasy."

What phrases are similar to "awkward edge"?

Alternatives include "uncomfortable aspect", "difficult aspect", or "uneasy aspect", depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

Is "awkward edge" a formal or informal expression?

"Awkward edge" is generally considered neutral to slightly formal. It is appropriate for professional or news contexts, but might sound out of place in very casual settings.

What's the difference between "awkward edge" and "uncomfortable feeling"?

"Awkward edge" implies a specific aspect or element causing discomfort, while "uncomfortable feeling" is a more general sensation of unease. The former is more descriptive and precise.