awkwardness
word
Definition
The feeling or quality of being uncomfortable, embarrassed, or clumsy in a situation. It can describe a person, a moment, or the atmosphere.
Usage & Nuances
Usually describes social or emotional situations. Common collocations: 'social awkwardness', 'awkwardness in the air'. Often used for uncomfortable silences, shy behavior, or clumsy actions. More formal than 'weird' or 'cringe'.
Example Sentences
There was a moment of awkwardness when nobody spoke.
basic
His awkwardness made it hard for him to join the conversation.
basic
She smiled to ease the awkwardness.
basic
You could feel the awkwardness in the air after his joke fell flat.
natural
Her awkwardness with strangers disappears once she gets comfortable.
natural
We all laughed to break the awkwardness after that weird question.
natural