Awkward meaning in English

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Definition

awkward: clumsy, unnatural; uncomfortable adjective
Icarus is a brilliant accountant, but he is a little awkward socially. Whenever he talks to people, he turns red and starts choking.
(an) awkward (situation): (an) embarrassing, uncomfortable (situation) adjective
awkwardly: ungracefully, clumsily, in an uncomfortable manner adverb

UK: Icarus is a brilliant accountant, but he's a little awkward socially.
US: My conversation with your mother was a bit awkward.

Examples

  • "Horatio : Awkward."
  • "Icarus is a seriously awkward human being with some bizarre compulsive disorders, but he is quite gifted with numbers."
  • "A geek is an awkward person who is seen as being too intellectual."
Exercise 1
Bruno says "Icarus is a seriously awkward human being".

Bruno is saying that Icarus .
Bruno says "Icarus is a seriously awkward human being".

Bruno is saying that Icarus lacks social skills.
lacks social skills: This is the correct answer. In this context, "awkward" refers to being "uncomfortable" or "uneasy" in social situations. For example, "an awkward man" may lack skill and grace, and may have difficulties communicating with other people. Note that "awkward" can also refer to physical difficulties or discomfort, and is synonymous with the term "clumsy". The term "lack" describes an absence, for example: I lack computer skills (I don't have computer skills).
is very sensitive: This is incorrect. "Sensitive" is not synonymous with "awkward". A "sensitive" person is someone who takes offence easily or who is easily insulted. The term can also be used to describe someone who feels or sympathizes with the emotions of other people. For example, Luna is very sensitive to the suffering of animals.
an alien from the planet Quincy: No. Although he has very strange tendencies, Icarus is definitely a human being and not an alien! The planet "Quincy" does exist though, it is inhabited by strange accountants who wear argyle sweaters.
is very boring: This is incorrect. The adjective "awkward" has nothing to do with how entertaining a person may be.
Exercise 2
Listen to the audio, then fill in the blanks with the missing terms.
Bruno: Icarus is a seriously human being with some bizarre compulsive , but he is quite with numbers. Icarus will be giving us a financial analysis of this past year momentarily.
Listen to the audio, then fill in the blanks with the missing terms.
Bruno: Icarus is a seriously awkward human being with some bizarre compulsive disorders , but he is quite gifted with numbers. Icarus will be giving us a financial analysis of this past year momentarily.

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