Ackward vs. Awkward — Which is Correct Spelling?
By Tayyaba Rehman — Updated on March 22, 2024
"Ackward" is the incorrect spelling. The correct spelling is "Awkward," referring to something uncomfortable or lacking smoothness or grace.
Table of Contents
Which is correct: Ackward or Awkward
How to spell Awkward?
Ackward
Incorrect Spelling
Awkward
Correct Spelling
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Key Differences
Think of the word as "awk" (like a bird sound) followed by "ward."
There's nothing "ack" about it; it's all "awk."
Imagine an "awkward" bird trying to say "awk-ward."
Recall the phrase "walked awkwardly," emphasizing the "awk."
Remember the "ward" as direction, like backward or forward, but with an "awk."
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How Do You Spell Awkward Correctly?
Incorrect: She felt ackward trying to speak in a foreign language she barely knew.
Correct: She felt awkward trying to speak in a foreign language she barely knew.
Incorrect: The silence between them was ackward.
Correct: The silence between them was awkward.
Incorrect: It was an ackward moment when he forgot his lines on stage.
Correct: It was an awkward moment when he forgot his lines on stage.
Incorrect: His attempt to tell a joke came off as ackward in the serious meeting.
Correct: His attempt to tell a joke came off as awkward in the serious meeting.
Incorrect: He walked in an ackward manner after twisting his ankle.
Correct: He walked in an awkward manner after twisting his ankle.
Awkward Definitions
Awkward can denote something that is not symmetrical or aligned.
The painting hung at an awkward angle.
Awkward describes a situation or person that causes discomfort or embarrassment.
The silence after the joke was awkward.
Awkward refers to something inconvenient or challenging to deal with.
The box was in an awkward position to lift.
Awkward might describe something not well-adapted for use.
The tool felt awkward in her small hand.
Causing difficulty; hard to do or deal with
Some awkward questions
The wheelbarrow can be awkward to manoeuvre
Causing or feeling uneasy embarrassment or inconvenience
He had put her in a very awkward position
She felt awkward alone with him
Not smooth or graceful; ungainly
Luther's awkward movements impeded his progress
Not graceful; ungainly.
Not dexterous; clumsy.
Clumsily or unskillfully performed
The opera was marred by an awkward aria.
Difficult to handle or manage
An awkward bundle to carry.
Difficult to effect; uncomfortable
An awkward pose.
Marked by or causing embarrassment or discomfort
An awkward remark.
An awkward silence.
Requiring great tact, ingenuity, skill, and discretion
An awkward situation arose during the peace talks.
(obsolete) In a backwards direction.
Lacking dexterity in the use of the hands, or of instruments.
John was awkward at performing the trick. He'll have to practice to improve.
Not easily managed or effected; embarrassing.
That was an extremely awkward moment. Everyone was watching.
An awkward silence had fallen.
Lacking social skills, or uncomfortable with social interaction.
I'm very awkward at parties.
Things get very awkward whenever 60-year old men use cheesy pick-up lines on me.
Perverse; adverse; difficult to handle.
He's a right awkward chap.
These cabinets are going to be very awkward when we move.
Someone or something that is awkward.
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.
Perverse; adverse; untoward.
O blind guides, which being of an awkward religion, do strain out a gnat, and swallow up a cancel.
Causing inconvenience;
They arrived at an awkward time
Lacking grace or skill in manner or movement or performance;
An awkward dancer
An awkward gesture
Too awkward with a needle to make her own clothes
His clumsy fingers produced an awkward knot
Difficult to handle or manage especially because of shape;
An awkward bundle to carry
A load of bunglesome paraphernalia
Clumsy wooden shoes
The cello, a rather ungainly instrument for a girl
Not elegant or graceful in expression;
An awkward prose style
A clumsy apology
His cumbersome writing style
If the rumor is true, can anything be more inept than to repeat it now?
Hard to deal with; especially causing pain or embarrassment;
Awkward (or embarrassing or difficult) moments in the discussion
An awkward pause followed his remark
A sticky question
In the unenviable position of resorting to an act he had planned to save for the climax of the campaign
Not at ease socially; unsure and constrained in manner;
Awkward and reserved at parties
Ill at ease among eddies of people he didn't know
Was always uneasy with strangers
Awkward indicates a lack of skill or grace in movement or behavior.
His awkward dance moves drew some stares.
Awkward Meaning in a Sentence
I felt awkward being the only one not dressed up for the party.
He was in an awkward position, trying to keep both friends happy.
It was awkward trying to explain why I was late without telling the whole truth.
The layout of the room was awkward, making it hard to move around.
The first day at a new school is always awkward.
Trying to fit the large sofa through the small door was an awkward task.
During dinner, an awkward silence fell over the table when the topic of politics came up.
She had an awkward smile on her face when she received a gift she didn't like.
It was an awkward climb, but he made it to the top of the hill.
Riding a bike for the first time can be awkward.
The conversation got awkward when they ran out of common topics.
They shared an awkward hug, not sure if they were friends or more.
Dancing can feel awkward if you're not used to it.
It's awkward when you wave at someone who doesn't see you.
The meeting was awkward because nobody agreed on anything.
It's awkward to talk about money, but sometimes it's necessary.
An awkward pause can sometimes say more than words.
His attempt at a compliment came out more awkward than flattering.
Learning to ski is fun, despite the awkward falls.
Wearing the wrong outfit to an event can make you feel awkward all night.
She had an awkward encounter with her ex at the party.
She found it awkward to eat spaghetti gracefully on her first date.
The interview was awkward because the questions were so unexpected.
The arrangement of the furniture made the room look awkward.
Awkward Idioms & Phrases
Awkward turtle
Used to acknowledge an awkward situation or silence.
When no one laughed at his joke, he just said awkward turtle and moved on.
Awkward phase
A period of time when someone feels socially, physically, or emotionally uncomfortable or out of place.
Most of us go through an awkward phase during our teenage years.
Awkward squad
A group of people who are difficult to train or manage due to their lack of skill or coordination.
The new recruits were considered the awkward squad until they proved their abilities.
Make it awkward
To create an uncomfortable situation.
Whenever they're together, he finds a way to make it awkward by bringing up past arguments.
Save someone from an awkward situation
To help someone out of a difficult or embarrassing moment.
She quickly changed the subject to save him from an awkward situation after his comment fell flat.
Awkward question
A query that is difficult or embarrassing to answer.
Asking about someone's salary is considered an awkward question.
In an awkward spot
In a difficult or uncomfortable situation.
I was in an awkward spot when I accidentally revealed the surprise party plans.
Awkward moment
A specific time during which discomfort or embarrassment is felt.
Running into my ex at the café was definitely an awkward moment.
Awkward age
A stage in young people's lives when they feel embarrassed about their changing bodies or social behaviors.
Being 13 is often considered an awkward age.
Stand awkward
To be in a difficult position where making a decision is not easy.
I stand awkward between agreeing with my friend or telling the truth that might hurt him.
Feel awkward
To experience discomfort or unease in a situation.
I always feel awkward at big social gatherings where I don't know anyone.
Put someone in an awkward position
To cause someone to be in a difficult or uncomfortable situation.
Asking her to choose between her friends put her in an awkward position.
Awkward laughter
Laughter that occurs in uncomfortable or inappropriate situations.
His joke wasn't funny, leading to awkward laughter from the crowd.
Awkward encounter
An unexpected and uncomfortable meeting with someone.
I had an awkward encounter with my boss at the grocery store.
Awkward silence
A pause in conversation that feels uncomfortable.
The dinner was full of awkward silences after their argument.
Turn awkward
For a situation to become uncomfortable or difficult.
The conversation turned awkward when they started discussing politics.
Awkward stage
A period of development characterized by discomfort and adaptation.
The company is in an awkward stage of transitioning to new management.
Common Curiosities
Which vowel is used before Awkward?
The vowel "a" is used before "wkward" in Awkward.
Why is it called Awkward?
It derives from the Middle English word "awk," meaning turned the wrong way or perverse, and "ward" indicating direction or manner.
What is the verb form of Awkward?
Awkward is primarily an adjective; there isn't a direct verb form.
Which preposition is used with Awkward?
Prepositions like "in," "with," or "about" can be used with Awkward, depending on the context.
What is the root word of Awkward?
The root word is "awk."
Which conjunction is used with Awkward?
Any conjunction can be used, depending on the sentence structure.
What is the singular form of Awkward?
Awkward is already in its singular form.
What is the pronunciation of Awkward?
It is pronounced as /ˈɔːkwərd/.
What is the plural form of Awkward?
Adjectives don't have plural forms in English.
Is Awkward a countable noun?
No, it's an adjective.
Is the word Awkward is imperative?
No, it is not an imperative.
Which article is used with Awkward?
Both "an" and "the" can be used, depending on the context.
Is Awkward a negative or positive word?
It usually has a negative connotation.
Is Awkward an abstract noun?
No, it's an adjective.
Is Awkward a vowel or consonant?
"Awkward" is a word, not a letter.
Is the Awkward term a metaphor?
No, it's a direct adjective.
How many syllables are in Awkward?
There are two syllables in awkward.
What is the third form of Awkward?
N/A.
Is Awkward a noun or adjective?
Awkward is an adjective.
Is Awkward an adverb?
No, but "awkwardly" is the adverbial form.
What is a stressed syllable in Awkward?
The stressed syllable is "awk."
How do we divide Awkward into syllables?
Awk-ward.
What is the opposite of Awkward?
The opposite could be "graceful" or "smooth."
What is the first form of Awkward?
Awkward doesn't have verb forms, so it doesn't have first, second, or third forms.
What is the second form of Awkward?
N/A.
Is Awkward a collective noun?
No, it is not a collective noun.
What part of speech is Awkward?
It is an adjective.
What is another term for Awkward?
Another term might be "clumsy."
Which determiner is used with Awkward?
Determiners like "this" or "that" can be used, as in "this awkward moment."
How is Awkward used in a sentence?
Example: It was an awkward moment when nobody knew what to say next.
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Written by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
