awkwardness

USAGE SUMMARY

"awkwardness" is a correct and usable word in written English.
You can use it to describe an uncomfortable or embarrassing feeling or situation. For example, "She felt awkwardness when she accidentally bumped into her boss."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Their awkwardness at black people protesting the death of Eric Garner at the hands of the police, meanwhile, is clear evidence of the racism that keeps pictures like Selma off ballot sheets.

The Guardian - Film

As Billy's dancing improves so his awkwardness diminishes, but his dancing remains untamed, seemingly untutored and breathlessly evocative.

The Guardian - Film

If we go looking for connection, we'll run smack into all the things we like to avoid: discomfort, rejection, sheer social awkwardness.

The Guardian - Opinion

Instead, there seems to be a direct correlation between how respected an award is and the palpable awkwardness of the winners.

The Guardian

Manchester City have bid £70m but he'd rather go to Barcelona, which in terms of awkwardness ahead of the big game registers at 9/10 on our patented Götze-ö-meter.

The Guardian - Sport

When Mark Ruffalo initially broke on to the scene, his nervy awkwardness didn't scream out, "Please cast me in a superhero movie".

The Guardian - Film

A couple of "wish I hadn't said that" moments, but no real awkwardness.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Most likely, if you get into a relationship with your tutor or lecturer, it will implode at some point, and you'll have to endure the awkwardness and pain of forced contact with an ex who still holds the position of power over you that was so attractive in the first place.

The Guardian

After a split second of awkwardness, two friendly ladies invited me to sit at the table next to them and the waiter visibly relaxed.

The Guardian

But, as is generally the way with national cliches, there is a tiny piece of accuracy here, in that alcohol pierces the national cloud of awkwardness that defines so many British social interactions.

The Guardian - Opinion

Walking out to the middle for the toss, my boy and the Surrey captain shared blond hair, a stocky physique and an awkwardness in their roles – it jarred when I realised that, though not yet 50, I was plenty old enough to be father to both of them.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "awkwardness" to describe situations where social interactions feel strained or uncomfortable, ensuring the context clearly indicates the cause of the unease.

Common error

Avoid using "awkwardness" in highly formal or technical writing where more precise terms like "complexity" or "difficulty" might be more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "awkwardness" is as a noun. It typically acts as the subject or object of a sentence, describing a state or quality. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is a correct term. Examples include "Their awkwardness at black people protesting..." or "...sheer social awkwardness."

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Formal & Business

30%

Science

30%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

Awkwardness is a noun that describes the state or quality of being awkward, encompassing both physical clumsiness and social unease. As Ludwig AI validates, it's a grammatically correct and frequently used term. Examples from Ludwig highlight its use in describing social interactions, political situations, and personal feelings. The term is generally neutral in register, making it suitable for various contexts, though formal or technical writing may sometimes benefit from more precise vocabulary. When using "awkwardness", ensure the context clearly indicates the source of the discomfort or unease. Related phrases like "social unease" or "clumsiness" can provide nuanced alternatives depending on the specific meaning you wish to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

social unease

Emphasizes the discomfort in social situations.

social discomfort

Highlights the feeling of unease in a social setting.

clumsiness

Focuses on the lack of physical grace or skill.

ineptitude

Indicates a lack of skill or competence in a particular situation.

maladroitness

Suggests a lack of tact or skill in social interactions.

lack of grace

Highlights the absence of elegance or smoothness.

embarrassment

Focuses on the feeling of shame or humiliation.

self-consciousness

Emphasizes awareness of oneself, often leading to discomfort.

unease

Refers to a general feeling of discomfort or anxiety.

discomposure

Highlights a state of being disturbed or unsettled.

FAQs

How can I use "awkwardness" in a sentence?

"Awkwardness" can be used to describe a feeling or a situation. For example, "There was an awkwardness in the air after the argument" or "He felt a sense of awkwardness when he realized he'd forgotten her name."

What words are similar to "awkwardness"?

Synonyms for "awkwardness" include "clumsiness", "ineptitude", "embarrassment", and "social discomfort". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is "awkwardness" a formal word?

"Awkwardness" is generally considered a neutral word that can be used in both formal and informal contexts. However, in very formal writing, you might prefer a more precise or technical term.

What causes "awkwardness" in social situations?

"Awkwardness" in social situations can arise from various factors, such as misunderstandings, uncomfortable silences, or violations of social norms.