clumsy
word
/ˈkɫəmzi/
KLUHM-zee
/klˈʌmzi/
KLUHM-zee
Definition
Someone who is clumsy often drops things, bumps into stuff, or moves in a way that is not smooth. It can also describe actions or things that are awkward or not done well.
Usage & Nuances
'Clumsy' is informal and gentle; often describes small accidents, awkward movement, or mistakes with objects. It can feel less negative than 'awkward'. Used for people, actions, or things (e.g., 'clumsy hands', 'clumsy attempt'). Avoid for serious incompetence.
Spanish: torpe - desmañadoPortuguese (BR): desajeitado - desastradoPortuguese (PT): desajeitado - desastradoChinese (Simplified): 笨拙的 - 不灵巧的Chinese (Traditional): 笨拙的 - 不靈巧的Hindi: अनाड़ी -笨कArabic: أخرق - غير رشيقBengali: ভুলো - অদক্ষ - খেয়ালী (আচরণে/কাজে)Russian: неуклюжий - неловкийJapanese: 不器用 - ぎこちないVietnamese: vụng về - lóng ngóngKorean: 서투른 - 덜렁거리는Turkish: sakar - beceriksizUrdu: بھدّا - اناڑیIndonesian: ceroboh - kikuk
Example Sentences
He is very clumsy and always drops his phone.
basic
The clumsy cat knocked over the vase.
basic
Sorry! That was a clumsy mistake on my part.
natural
He gave a clumsy explanation that didn’t really make sense.
natural
I’m so clumsy today—I keep tripping over nothing!
natural
Her clumsy handwriting is hard to read.
basic