awkwardness
UK: ˈɔːkwədnəs | US: ˈɔːkwərdnəs
n. the quality or state of being awkward; clumsiness or lack of grace
n. social discomfort or embarrassment
n. difficulty in handling or managing something
awkwardness = awkward<clumsy> + ness<noun suffix>
- awkward: Derived from Middle English awkward (turned the wrong way), from Old Norse afugr (turned backward) + English suffix -ward (directionally oriented). Originally described physical misalignment, later extended to social ineptitude.
- ness: A noun-forming suffix from Old English -nes, indicating a state or quality.
Etymology Origin:
The word awkward began as a directional term in Middle English, combining Old Norse afugr (backward) with the English suffix -ward (toward). It initially described something physically "turned the wrong way," later evolving to mean "clumsy" or "ungainly." By the 16th century, it gained social connotations (e.g., embarrassment). The suffix -ness solidifies the abstract state of being awkward.
His awkwardness in social situations made networking difficult.
She laughed to hide her awkwardness after tripping on stage.
The tool’s design caused unnecessary awkwardness during use.
There was an awkwardness between them after the argument.
He practiced dancing to overcome his natural awkwardness.