fairly awkward

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "fairly awkward" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation or interaction that is somewhat uncomfortable or clumsy. Example: "The conversation became fairly awkward when they realized they had nothing in common."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

11 human-written examples

What followed can only be described as a fairly awkward trip uptown.

The New York Times

More than a static sculptural element in "To Familiar Spaces," the boxes are manipulated throughout the work by a cast of eight in fairly awkward configurations (side by side diving boards?) or more conventionally (a sculpture's pedestal on which Lauren Fagone does a good deal of twitching).

The New York Times - Arts

The timing of the two announcements led to some fairly awkward press briefings in both cases.

TechCrunch

Unfortunately, this is a fairly awkward design decision, leading to a cluttered interface and likely just as many accidental taps as intentional ones.

TechCrunch

The whole thing was oddly soothing, if fairly awkward — a big, foam black-out mask with headphones embedded on either side.

TechCrunch

It looks like the Note 8 will sport a fingerprint scanner on its backside next to the camera, like the Galaxy S8 — where it is fairly awkward — while it appears it will also borrow the S8's Bixby button on its right side.

TechCrunch

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

49 human-written examples

I used to be fairly socially awkward at parties, unsure of how to break the ice and loathe to make small talk until I started doing sideshow.

Vice

As a young, awkward, fairly unattractive (with pictures to prove it) girl growing up in the South Bay of California in the nineties, my musical journey took a sort of strange path.

Huffington Post

Most of the country, bar the so-called Sunni triangle where only a tenth of the population lives, is fairly tranquil.Step by awkward step, the country is groping towards democracy: an assembly to draw up a constitution should take shape within a few months; elections leading to a genuinely Iraqi government, albeit underpinned for a time by at least some foreign troops, should take place next year.

The Economist

It is all so sudden and awkward within the fairly tight compositional space of the painting.

Independent

"It's like the 'Hunger Games.' " On good days — the days when Mr. Cohen is making money — he tends to be fairly low-key, even a bit awkward.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "fairly awkward" to describe situations where the discomfort or clumsiness is noticeable but not overwhelming. It's useful for downplaying potentially negative situations.

Common error

Avoid using "fairly awkward" in formal or academic writing where a more precise and professional term is preferred. Opt for alternatives like "somewhat problematic" or "moderately challenging" for a more appropriate tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "fairly awkward" functions as an adverb-adjective combination, where 'fairly' modifies the adjective 'awkward', indicating a degree or extent of awkwardness. Ludwig confirms that the phrase is usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

90%

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

3%

Less common in

Science

1%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "fairly awkward" is a common and grammatically correct way to describe situations that are moderately uncomfortable or clumsy. Ludwig confirms that this phrase is indeed correct and usable. Predominantly used in news and media, it suits neutral registers and effectively downplays potentially negative connotations. When aiming for formal tones, consider alternatives like "somewhat uncomfortable" or "moderately challenging" to maintain a professional demeanor. Understanding these nuances can improve your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

reasonably awkward

This uses "reasonably" which keeps a similar degree of the awkwardness.

a touch awkward

This alternative uses "a touch" to downplay the intensity of the awkwardness, making it sound less severe.

mildly uncomfortable

This phrase directly states the presence of discomfort, albeit to a mild degree.

somewhat uncomfortable

This alternative replaces "awkward" with "uncomfortable" and "fairly" with "somewhat", softening the intensity of the discomfort.

moderately uneasy

This phrase uses "uneasy" instead of "awkward" and "moderately" instead of "fairly", suggesting a similar but slightly more anxious feeling.

rather clumsy

This alternative focuses on the clumsiness of a situation rather than the social discomfort, using "rather" as an intensifier.

slightly embarrassing

This option highlights the potential for embarrassment inherent in an awkward situation, using "slightly" as a modifier.

a bit disconcerting

This phrase emphasizes the unsettling nature of the situation, using "disconcerting" to describe the feeling.

somewhat strained

This alternative describes a situation where there is tension or a lack of ease, using "strained" to depict the atmosphere.

rather forced

This option suggests that something feels unnatural or not genuine, implying a sense of discomfort.

FAQs

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

You can use "fairly awkward" to describe situations or interactions that are mildly uncomfortable or clumsy. For example, "The conversation became "fairly awkward" when they realized they had nothing in common."

What are some alternatives to "fairly awkward"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "somewhat uncomfortable", "moderately uneasy", or "slightly embarrassing".

Is "fairly awkward" a formal or informal expression?

"Fairly awkward" leans towards informal usage. In formal settings, consider more precise terms like "somewhat problematic" or "slightly challenging".

What makes a situation "fairly awkward"?

A situation is "fairly awkward" when it involves a noticeable level of discomfort, embarrassment, or clumsiness, but not to an extreme degree. It suggests a mild or moderate level of unease.