socially awkward

USAGE SUMMARY

'socially awkward' is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it to describe someone who finds it uncomfortable or difficult to interact with other people due to shyness or lack of self-confidence. For example, you could say "The new employee was so socially awkward that he rarely spoke to anyone in his first week."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Not knowing social norms can leave you feeling socially awkward.

WikiHow

He is a socially  awkward loner with a complete absence of social skills.

Independent

Charley was socially awkward.

The New Yorker

I was socially awkward.

The Guardian

She's just so socially awkward.

The Guardian - Film

I don't think I'm socially awkward.

The Guardian - Music

He had always been socially awkward.

The New Yorker

But for me it becomes socially awkward.

The Guardian - Tech

I was also very socially awkward.

The Guardian

He was intellectual, socially awkward, and 53.

The New York Times

The sneaky, vaguely socially awkward passion just "is".

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing someone as "socially awkward", provide specific examples of their behavior to give context and avoid generalizations.

Common error

Don't automatically assume that someone quiet is "socially awkward". Shyness is a personality trait, while social awkwardness involves difficulty navigating social situations, which can be exhibited even by extroverted individuals.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "socially awkward" functions as a descriptive adjective phrase. It modifies a noun, describing a person or situation as being uncomfortable or difficult in social settings. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's a correct and usable phrase.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

67%

Wiki

14%

Science

6%

Less common in

Formal & Business

4%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "socially awkward" is a common and grammatically sound way to describe someone who experiences discomfort or difficulty in social situations. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's a valid and frequently used expression. While "socially awkward" is generally acceptable, it’s important to use it thoughtfully and consider potential alternatives such as "lacking social grace" or "uncomfortable in social settings" to convey more specific nuances. Exercise caution in attributing shyness with this description, as highlighted in the most common errors to avoid. Understanding the contexts and potential sensitivities around this phrase will ensure more effective and considerate communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

struggling with social interaction

Emphasizes the effort and difficulty involved in social exchanges.

uncomfortable in social settings

Highlights the feeling of unease when interacting with others.

exhibiting social unease

Highlights the outward display of discomfort in social situations.

lacking social grace

Focuses on the absence of smoothness and elegance in social situations.

having difficulty connecting with others

Points to the struggle of forming meaningful relationships.

socially challenged

A more general term indicating difficulties in social situations.

inept at socializing

Emphasizes a general incompetence in social interactions.

introverted and shy

Combines introversion and shyness as potential causes of social awkwardness.

out of sync with social norms

Suggests a disconnect from expected social behaviors.

not good with people

A simple and direct way of expressing difficulty in social situations.

FAQs

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

You can use "socially awkward" to describe a person or situation. For example, "He is "socially awkward" because he doesn't understand social cues" or "The silence was "socially awkward" after his comment".

What are some synonyms for "socially awkward"?

Some synonyms for "socially awkward" include "lacking social grace", "uncomfortable in social settings", or "inept at socializing". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it offensive to describe someone as "socially awkward"?

It can be insensitive depending on the context and tone. It's often better to describe specific behaviors rather than labeling someone as "socially awkward". For instance, instead of saying "He's "socially awkward"", you could say "He seems to have difficulty making eye contact during conversations".

What's the difference between "socially awkward" and simply being shy?

"Socially awkward" implies a difficulty in navigating social situations or understanding social cues, which may manifest as behaving inappropriately or feeling uncomfortable. Shyness, on the other hand, is a general feeling of discomfort or inhibition in social settings, without necessarily implying a lack of social skills. A shy person isn't necessarily "socially awkward".