HOW TO PRONOUNCE
awkward
/ˈɑkwɚd/
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American Pronunciation Guide · 1:03
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LISTEN FOR THIS
Keep k and w together.
Stress the first syllable and finish with a light r-colored vowel followed by d.
2 syllables · Stress on syllable 1
TRY SAYING
“The narrow corner was awkward to paint.”
APG practice sentence · CC BY-SA 4.0
CMU Pronouncing Dictionary ↗What does awkward mean?
adjective
- Lacking dexterity in the use of the hands, or of instruments.
- Not easily managed or effected; embarrassing.
- Lacking social skills, or uncomfortable with social interaction.
More meanings (2)
adjective
- Perverse; adverse; difficult to handle.
noun
- Someone or something that is awkward.
Definitions regrouped for readability · CC BY-SA 4.0
IPA pronunciation
/ˈɑkwɚd/
Pronunciation used in the listening tip.
CMU Pronouncing Dictionary ↗Pronunciation varies by speaker and region. About these dictionary pronunciations.
In the pages of books
See this word in context.
He had a way of floating people out of dull or awkward situations, out of their own torpor or constraint or discouragement.
It was necessary for him to step forward, too, and assist the introduction, and with many awkward sensations he did his best.
More book examples (3)
He put up his eyebrows for misery, and clenched his fists on his knees, feeling so awkward in presence of big trouble.
The countess was lying in an armchair in a strange and awkward position, stretching out and beating her head against the wall.
Though heavy and often awkward to gather and haul, if they are available, seaweeds should not be permitted to go to waste.