# awkward

> English word · Adjective · IPA /ˈɔːk.wəd/ · frequency rank #4,349

## Definitions
1. Lacking dexterity in the use of the hands, or of instruments.
2. Not easily managed or effected; embarrassing.
3. Lacking social skills, or uncomfortable with social interaction.
4. Perverse; adverse; difficult to handle.

## Etymology
Etymology tree
Proto-Indo-European *h₂epó
Proto-Indo-European *h₃ekʷ-
Proto-Indo-European *h₂époh₃kʷos
Proto-Germanic *abuhaz
Old Norse ǫfugrder.
Middle English awke
English awk
Proto-Indo-European *wert-der.
Proto-Germanic *wardaz
Old English -weard
English -ward
English awkward
From awk (“odd, clumsy”) + -ward. Compare Middle English aukeward (“in the wrong direction”).

## Easily confused with
- **awkwardly** (https://plainspell.com/en/vs/awkward-vs-awkwardly)
- **award** (https://plainspell.com/en/vs/award-vs-awkward)

## Common misspellings (11)
`akwward`, `awkawrd`, `awkkward`, `awkwadr`, `awkwardd`, `awkwarrd`, `awkwrad`, `awkwward`, `awwkard`, `awwkward`, `wakward`

## Source
Compiled from Wiktionary via kaikki.org (CC BY-SA). Data vintage: 2026-05-06.
Canonical page: https://plainspell.com/en/word/awkward