CLUMSY Synonyms: 226 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How does the adjective 'clumsy' contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of clumsy are awkward , gauche , inept , and maladroit . While all these words mean "not marked by ease (as of performance, movement, or social conduct)," clumsy implies stiffness and heaviness and so may connote inflexibility, unwieldiness, or lack of ordinary skill. // a clumsy mechanic

Q: When could 'awkward' be used to replace 'clumsy'?

The words awkward and clumsy can be used in similar contexts, but awkward is widely applicable and may suggest unhandiness, inconvenience, lack of muscular control, embarrassment, or lack of tact. // periods of awkward silence

Q: When might 'gauche' be a better fit than 'clumsy'?

Although the words gauche and clumsy have much in common, gauche implies the effects of shyness, inexperience, or ill breeding. // felt gauche and unsophisticated at formal parties

Q: In what contexts can 'inept' take the place of 'clumsy'?

While the synonyms inept and clumsy are close in meaning, inept often implies complete failure or inadequacy. // a hopelessly inept defense attorney

Q: When would 'maladroit' be a good substitute for 'clumsy'?

In some situations, the words maladroit and clumsy are roughly equivalent. However, maladroit suggests a tendency to create awkward situations. // a maladroit politician

clumsy

adjective

ˈkləm-zē

Definition of clumsy next

as in awkward

lacking or showing a lack of nimbleness in using one's hands diamond cutting is no job for a clumsy person

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as in uncoordinated

having or showing an inability to move in a graceful manner a clumsy bow clumsy on the dance floor

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as in uncomfortable

lacking social grace and assurance felt clumsy in the unfamiliar uniform

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as in inexperienced

showing or marked by a lack of skill and tact (as in dealing with a situation) a clumsy joke

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as in cumbersome

difficult to use or operate especially because of size, weight, or design a clumsy contraption, but it got the job done

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as in rude

hastily or roughly constructed a clumsy mock-up of the real thing

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Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective clumsy contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of clumsy are awkward, gauche, inept, and maladroit. While all these words mean "not marked by ease (as of performance, movement, or social conduct)," clumsy implies stiffness and heaviness and so may connote inflexibility, unwieldiness, or lack of ordinary skill.

a clumsy mechanic

When could awkward be used to replace clumsy?

The words awkward and clumsy can be used in similar contexts, but awkward is widely applicable and may suggest unhandiness, inconvenience, lack of muscular control, embarrassment, or lack of tact.

periods of awkward silence

When might gauche be a better fit than clumsy?

Although the words gauche and clumsy have much in common, gauche implies the effects of shyness, inexperience, or ill breeding.

felt gauche and unsophisticated at formal parties

In what contexts can inept take the place of clumsy?

While the synonyms inept and clumsy are close in meaning, inept often implies complete failure or inadequacy.

a hopelessly inept defense attorney

When would maladroit be a good substitute for clumsy?

In some situations, the words maladroit and clumsy are roughly equivalent. However, maladroit suggests a tendency to create awkward situations.

a maladroit politician

Examples Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Recent Examples of clumsy Most everyone's first few job applications were clumsy exercises in trying to sell themselves. —

Worth Sparkman, Axios, 24 Oct. 2024 The Harris-Walz campaign strategy in Michigan is clumsy and tone deaf. —

Nina Turner, Newsweek, 30 Oct. 2024 The clumsy classifications underscore an even deeper problem with our knowledge—or lack thereof—of UPFs. —

Nicholas Florko, The Atlantic, 21 Oct. 2024 These portables range from ultra-budget laptops perfect for clumsy students all the way up to high-end convertibles with bright, responsive touch screens. —

K. Thor Jensen, PCMAG, 8 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for clumsy

Recent Examples of Synonyms for clumsy

Adjective

Jennings read the clue with a slightly awkward tone, then immediately apologized to Heather after it was answered.

Gabriella Rudy, NBC News, 7 Nov. 2024
Krieps, playing Jill possessed by Elizabeth, gets slighter colder, more rigid, and more awkward.

Scott Roxborough, The Hollywood Reporter, 5 Nov. 2024