awkward staff

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "awkward staff" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a group of employees or team members who exhibit social discomfort or clumsiness in their interactions. Example: "The new team had an awkward staff, making it difficult for them to collaborate effectively during meetings."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Wiki

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

Fewer awkward staff parties.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

They have credited their own families and an awkward writing staff — their description — for inspiring enough domestic high jinks to fill 20-plus episodes each season, but acknowledge that the possibility of running out of  silly-yet-resonant stories "keeps me awake at night," Mr. Levitan said in an interview last summer.

The New York Times

The one time we did have topless women in the office – they trooped in with a PR to plug some random product – the editor was horrified and the staff awkward and red-faced with embarrassment, looking intently at their screens.

The Guardian

Mr. Lloyd: We hired an awkward-enough writing staff that we can rely upon them finding themselves in ever more embarrassing situations, which is only good for us.

The New York Times

At the Los Angeles Times, it's policy to not vote on awards — a decision that spares our reporters from the endless parade of propaganda from public relations staffs, awkward encounters with players and the pressures of making decisions that result in contract bonuses and rising value of contracts.

Los Angeles Times

Although it may seem awkward to remind your staff to inhale and exhale, you can share the research on its benefits.

Harvard Business Review

To ensure that they are not seen to be unproductive or over budget, audit staff avoid awkward looking items and often pretend to have checked items that have not even been examined.

The Guardian - Opinion

After an awkward interaction with clinic staff bewildered by the male name on her insurance card she had yet to legally change her name after transitioning to female Ashcroft says she was seen by the doctor for an endoscopy.

Vice

Staff ceased their awkward laughter and adopted serious expressions, aware that their reactions were being broadcast live.

The Guardian

His staff liked the awkward term.

Huffington Post

It is extremely awkward if a member of staff were to walk in, for you two, and them.

WikiHow

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing an "awkward staff", provide specific examples of their behavior to illustrate the nature of their awkwardness. This gives context and makes the description more impactful.

Common error

Don't simply label a group as an "awkward staff" without providing context. Instead, show, don't tell. Describe the specific behaviors or interactions that make them appear awkward to avoid vague characterizations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "awkward staff" functions as a noun phrase where the adjective "awkward" modifies the noun "staff". According to Ludwig, the phrase is grammatically correct and usable in written English. It describes a group of employees who are socially uncomfortable or clumsy.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

38%

Academia

20%

Wiki

14%

Less common in

Science

14%

Formal & Business

10%

Reference

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "awkward staff" is a grammatically correct and commonly used term to describe a group of employees who exhibit social discomfort or clumsiness. As confirmed by Ludwig, it is suitable for use in a variety of contexts, particularly in news, media, and academic settings. While the phrase is generally acceptable, it's important to provide specific context and examples to avoid vague characterizations. Alternative phrases such as "uncomfortable employees" or ""socially inept team"" can offer more nuanced descriptions depending on the situation. Ultimately, understanding the reasons behind the awkwardness and addressing them directly can improve team dynamics and communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

uncomfortable employees

This alternative replaces "awkward" with a more direct synonym, focusing on the feeling of unease among the staff.

socially inept team

This alternative emphasizes the lack of social skills within the team, highlighting a specific reason for the awkwardness.

inept personnel

This focuses on the lack of skill in handling social situations, using more formal vocabulary.

uncomfortable workforce

This uses "workforce" instead of "staff", and "uncomfortable" to convey the awkward feeling.

difficult employees

This alternative highlights the challenges posed by the employees' behavior, indirectly suggesting awkwardness.

unskilled team

This points to a lack of social or communication skills within the team, which can lead to awkward situations.

maladroit group of workers

This uses more sophisticated vocabulary to describe the clumsiness of the staff.

socially challenged personnel

This emphasizes the social difficulties faced by the staff, using a more sensitive tone.

unsophisticated staff

This refers to a lack of refinement or polish in their social interactions.

underdeveloped team dynamics

This suggests that the team's interaction skills are lacking.

FAQs

How can I describe the behavior of an "awkward staff"?

Instead of just saying they are "awkward", describe their specific actions, like avoiding eye contact, struggling with small talk, or displaying inappropriate humor. For example, you could say they are a "socially inept team" or a "difficult employees".

What are some alternatives to calling a group of employees "awkward staff"?

Depending on the context, you could use terms like "uncomfortable employees", "socially challenged personnel", or "maladroit group of workers". These phrases offer a more nuanced description of the situation.

Is it appropriate to use the term "awkward staff" in professional settings?

While the term "awkward staff" is understandable, it might be perceived as unprofessional or insensitive. Consider using more neutral or descriptive terms that focus on specific behaviors rather than a general label. For instance, mention "unskilled team" when communication problems exist.

What causes a staff to be perceived as "awkward"?

A staff might be seen as "awkward" due to various factors, including lack of social skills, communication difficulties, cultural differences, or personality clashes. Addressing these underlying issues can help improve team dynamics. Often "underdeveloped team dynamics" might be the reason.