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clumsy

Lacking coordination in movement or handling things. / Lacking skill, grace, or tact in social interaction or execution.
Adjective
comp: clumsiersup: clumsiest

This word carries a sense of awkwardness that is often viewed as endearing or pitiable rather than malicious. It evokes the image of someone whose physical intentions do not align with their actual movements, leading to accidental spills or trips.

When applied to non-physical things, like a sentence or a plan, it suggests a lack of refinement or a jarring lack of sophistication. It describes something that is functional but lacks the polish or elegance required for a professional or smooth result.

Meanings

Examples

I am so clumsy.

He is very clumsy.

Stop being so clumsy.

She was too clumsy to hold it.

He made a clumsy mistake yesterday.

The new student is clumsy with the lab equipment.

School Life

I tried to be romantic but it felt clumsy.

Romance

The thief was too clumsy to avoid the alarm.

Detective
Apology

The merger failed due to a clumsy execution of the plan.

Business

Historians describe the treaty as a clumsy compromise.

History

Related Words

Last Updated: May 2026Report an Error