Meaning
Lacking dexterity in the use of the hands, or of instruments.
Etymology
Origin: Old English
Etymology tree Proto-Indo-European *h₂ep Proto-Indo-European *-o 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”).
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
clumsylubberlyungracefulunhandygawkyrecalcitrantmaladroitgauchecantankerousbunglesome
NYT Puzzle Appearances
Accepted in 5 recorded puzzles: