slightly awkward

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "slightly awkward" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation, interaction, or expression that feels uncomfortable or not entirely smooth. Example: "During the meeting, there was a slightly awkward silence after the unexpected question."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

Even standing still he looked slightly awkward.

The New York Times - Books

The morning was only slightly awkward.

The New York Times

One slightly awkward plug for Diet Coke.

The Guardian - Film

But as a show, it's slightly awkward.

The Guardian

Does that make me feel slightly awkward?

The Guardian

Window cleaning is, by its nature, a slightly awkward job.

The New York Times

Gangly and polite, Bob struck Jacqui as slightly awkward.

The New Yorker

Still, it must be slightly awkward for Berry.

Independent

In person, there's a slightly awkward charm about him.

The New York Times - Magazine

Chickens, trips to town, slightly awkward conversations with locals.

The New Yorker

And when Ralph tries to be hip, it's slightly awkward.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing social situations, use "slightly awkward" to convey a minor level of discomfort without exaggerating the situation. It's useful for downplaying potentially negative experiences.

Common error

Avoid using "slightly awkward" as a generic descriptor. If the situation warrants a stronger adjective like "uncomfortable" or "inappropriate", use it instead. "Slightly awkward" is best reserved for situations that are genuinely only mildly uncomfortable.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "slightly awkward" primarily functions as an adjectival phrase. It modifies a noun (e.g., situation, moment, feeling) to describe a mild state of unease or social discomfort. As Ludwig AI shows, it qualifies different nouns.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

96%

Wiki

2%

Science

2%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "slightly awkward" functions as an adjectival phrase used to describe situations or feelings that are mildly uncomfortable. According to Ludwig AI, it is grammatically correct and very commonly used, predominantly appearing in News & Media contexts. Its neutral register makes it suitable for diverse writing scenarios. To prevent overuse, consider stronger adjectives if the situation demands a more forceful description. Using "slightly awkward" effectively involves recognizing its capacity to subtly downplay potentially negative experiences. Be sure to not overuse the expression, or substitute it for better synonyms.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a bit uncomfortable

Indicates a mild level of physical or emotional discomfort, similar to "slightly awkward" but focusing more on the feeling itself.

somewhat clumsy

Suggests a lack of grace or skill in movement or handling a situation, overlapping with the awkwardness aspect.

a little uneasy

Focuses on a feeling of anxiety or apprehension, capturing the discomfort associated with awkwardness.

mildly inappropriate

Implies a slight violation of social norms or expectations, which can lead to awkwardness.

somewhat strained

Suggests a tension or lack of naturalness in a relationship or situation, contributing to an awkward atmosphere.

a tad forced

Describes something that appears artificial or unnatural, potentially causing discomfort or awkwardness.

rather stilted

Implies a rigid or unnatural formality, which can create an awkward or uncomfortable environment.

slightly jarring

Indicates a disruption or unexpected element that causes a momentary sense of unease or awkwardness.

a touch out of place

Suggests something doesn't quite fit in or belong, creating a sense of awkwardness or disharmony.

somewhat incongruous

Implies a lack of harmony or consistency, which can lead to a feeling of awkwardness or dissonance.

FAQs

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

You can use "slightly awkward" to describe a situation, interaction, or feeling that is mildly uncomfortable or uneasy. For example, "There was a "slightly awkward silence" during the meeting" or "He felt "slightly awkward" meeting his girlfriend's parents for the first time".

What are some alternatives to "slightly awkward"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives like "a bit uncomfortable", "somewhat clumsy", or "a little uneasy".

Is "slightly awkward" formal or informal?

"Slightly awkward" is generally considered neutral in tone and can be used in both formal and informal contexts, although it leans slightly towards informality due to its use of "slightly" as a modifier.

What makes a situation "slightly awkward"?

A situation becomes "slightly awkward" when there's a mild sense of unease, discomfort, or social friction. This could be due to an "unexpected event", a "minor misunderstanding", or a "lack of clear communication".