Wanting dexterity in the use of the hands, or of instruments; not dexterous; without skill; clumsy; wanting ease, grace, or effectiveness in movement; ungraceful; as, he was awkward at a trick; an awkward boy. And dropped an awkward courtesy. Dryden.
Not easily managed or effected; embarrassing. A long and awkward process. Macaulay. An awkward affair is one that has gone wrong, and is difficult to adjust. C. J. Smith.
Perverse; adverse; untoward. [Obs.] "Awkward casualties." "Awkward wind." Shak. O blind guides, which being of an awkward religion, do strain out a gnat, and swallow up a cancel. Udall.
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