extremely awkward

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "extremely awkward" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe a situation or interaction that is very uncomfortable or embarrassing. Example: "The silence in the room after his comment was extremely awkward, leaving everyone unsure of what to say next."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Limited parking is extremely awkward.

The New York Times

"I was extremely awkward, socially," she continues.

The Guardian - Film

You get the extremely awkward picture.

The New York Times

But it's extremely awkward for the BBC as well.

The Guardian - Opinion

Roberts is extremely awkward in the film; her performance is almost artificial.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

But I also found it extremely awkward initially when new friends learned of our living arrangement.

The New York Times

THE debt crisis has presented investors with an extremely awkward dilemma.

The Economist

They exchange one extremely awkward kiss but are too nervous to acknowledge what has just happened.

The New York Times

They are extremely awkward on land but swift and graceful in the water.

Encyclopedia Britannica

"This latest incident has made it extremely awkward for us to continue that defense," he said.

The New York Times

His second career makes life extremely awkward for Keddie's character – the two political opponents share a romantic history.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "extremely awkward" to emphasize the intensity of discomfort or social unease in a situation. It's stronger than "very awkward" and adds impact.

Common error

While "extremely awkward" is acceptable in most situations, avoid overuse in casual conversation. Simpler terms like "awkward" or "uncomfortable" may be more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "extremely awkward" primarily functions as an adjectival modifier, intensifying the adjective "awkward". It describes the degree or intensity of a situation, feeling, or object, emphasizing its discomfort or unease, as Ludwig AI confirms.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

79%

Academia

10%

Encyclopedias

1%

Less common in

Science

10%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "extremely awkward" is a grammatically sound and frequently used adjectival phrase that intensifies the feeling of discomfort or unease. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it's suitable for various contexts, with a stronger presence in news and media. While alternatives like "hugely awkward" or "very uncomfortable" exist, "extremely awkward" serves to emphasize the magnitude of the awkwardness. Be mindful of overuse in overly casual settings. Overall, it's a reliable phrase for conveying a significant level of discomfort or social difficulty.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

hugely awkward

Emphasizes the magnitude of the awkwardness.

supremely awkward

Highlights the situation's high-level awkwardness.

exceedingly awkward

Stresses the high degree of awkwardness.

utterly awkward

Implies a complete and undeniable sense of awkwardness.

exceptionally awkward

Indicates an unusual level of awkwardness.

very uncomfortable

Focuses on the feeling of unease or discomfort.

remarkably awkward

Focuses on the noteworthiness of the awkwardness.

highly embarrassing

Highlights the potential for shame or humiliation.

unusually awkward

Emphasizes that the awkwardness is out of the ordinary.

incredibly clumsy

Describes a lack of grace or smoothness in a situation or interaction.

FAQs

How to use "extremely awkward" in a sentence?

You can use "extremely awkward" to describe a situation, feeling, or interaction that causes significant discomfort or embarrassment. For instance, "The silence after his joke fell flat was "extremely awkward"".

What can I say instead of "extremely awkward"?

You can use alternatives like "hugely awkward", "very uncomfortable", or "highly embarrassing" depending on the context.

When is it appropriate to use "extremely awkward"?

It's appropriate when you want to emphasize the high degree of discomfort or difficulty in a situation, more so than just "awkward". It suits formal and informal contexts alike, but overusing it can sound repetitive.

What's the difference between "extremely awkward" and "slightly awkward"?

"Extremely awkward" signifies a much more intense and uncomfortable situation than "slightly awkward". The former implies significant unease or embarrassment, while the latter suggests a milder level of discomfort.