awkward looking

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "awkward looking" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use this phrase to describe someone's physical appearance in a situation where they appear to be uncomfortable or uneasy. For example, "The new student had an awkward looking expression on her face as she stepped into the classroom."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

25 human-written examples

Bibi is awkward looking and has a funny accent.

The New Yorker

And helmets, once viewed as clunky and awkward looking, are starting to be seen as hip.

The New York Times - Sports

Wearing is friendly, slightly awkward, looking inquisitively at me from beneath her trademark black fringe.

The Guardian - Arts

One of the star attractions is an awkward looking stuffed walrus.

The Guardian

The Con prop only occasionally broke into an awkward looking trot.

The Guardian - Sport

Opposite her was a slightly awkward looking man I didn't recognise.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

33 human-written examples

On the back, we see an awkward-looking man, the same who appears in the plane scene on "Toxic".

Wikipedia

If you watch the whole video, however, you'll see that this unique (if awkward-looking) configuration affords the bot many interesting advantages when getting around.

TechCrunch

But what caused the most controversy at the time was the decision to illustrate the leader with an awkward-looking pair of camels trying to mate (see above).

The Economist

Their feet move in an awkward-looking shuffle, with one leg straight out in front as the other shakes and dips.

The Guardian

Science is really just that child's groping, with wings on - no, not with wings on, rather up on stilts, awkward-looking earthbound instruments, that get you high enough to see the world.

BBC

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a person's demeanor, use "awkward looking" to convey that their discomfort is outwardly visible in their expression or posture.

Common error

Avoid using "awkward looking" to describe objects unless they possess characteristics that can be interpreted as discomfort or unease. Opt for terms like "oddly shaped" or "unconventionally designed" for inanimate objects.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "awkward looking" primarily functions as a descriptive adjective phrase. It modifies a noun to indicate that the subject possesses an appearance that is perceived as uncomfortable, ungainly, or lacking grace. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is used to describe physical appearance.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

52%

Wiki

28%

Science

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "awkward looking" is a grammatically correct and commonly used adjective phrase to describe an appearance that seems uncomfortable or ungainly. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability. It appears frequently in news and media, as well as in wiki content, but care should be taken when using it to describe people due to potential negative connotations. Synonyms such as ""odd looking"" or ""ungainly looking"" may sometimes be more appropriate depending on the context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

odd-looking

Emphasizes the strangeness or unusual quality of the appearance.

strange-looking

Similar to odd-looking but with a slightly stronger connotation of unfamiliarity.

ungainly looking

Highlights the awkwardness and lack of smoothness in appearance.

clumsy looking

Implies a lack of grace or coordination in appearance.

peculiar appearance

Indicates that the appearance is unusual or distinctive in a slightly negative way.

uncomfortable appearance

Focuses more on the discomfort the appearance might cause.

unseemly appearance

Suggests the appearance is inappropriate or not socially acceptable.

uncomfortable to look at

Shifts the focus to the observer's discomfort rather than the appearance itself.

outlandish appearance

Emphasizes how bizarre, eccentric, or unconventional the appearance is.

unattractive appearance

Directly states the lack of aesthetic appeal.

FAQs

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

You can use "awkward looking" to describe someone or something that appears uncomfortable or ungainly. For example, "The new robot had an "awkward looking" gait."

What are some synonyms for "awkward looking"?

Some alternatives to "awkward looking" include "odd looking", "strange looking", or "ungainly looking". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is it appropriate to describe a person as "awkward looking"?

While grammatically correct, describing someone as "awkward looking" can be perceived as impolite. Consider using more sensitive language or focusing on specific behaviors that contribute to the impression of awkwardness.

What is the difference between "awkward looking" and "awkward"?

"Awkward looking" specifically refers to an appearance that conveys awkwardness, while "awkward" can describe a situation, feeling, or behavior. For example, "The silence was awkward," not "The silence was awkward looking."