Arkward vs. Awkward — Which is Correct Spelling?
By Tayyaba Rehman — Updated on March 24, 2024
"Arkward" is a common misspelling; the correct spelling is "Awkward," which describes something uneasy or lacking grace.
Table of Contents
Which is correct: Arkward or Awkward
How to spell Awkward?
Arkward
Incorrect Spelling
Awkward
Correct Spelling
ADVERTISEMENT
Key Differences
Associate the "awk" in "awkward" with "hawk," a bird that can sometimes have sudden, jerky movements.
Think of someone walking in an awkward manner, tripping over an unseen obstacle.
Think of "awk" sounding like a squawk, which is something loud and attention-grabbing.
Remember there's no "r" before the "k" in "Awkward."
Visualize "Awkward" as a two-part word: "Awk" and "ward."
ADVERTISEMENT
How Do You Spell Awkward Correctly?
Incorrect: I had an arkward encounter with my ex at the party.
Correct: I had an awkward encounter with my ex at the party.
Incorrect: His attempt to apologize was arkward and stilted.
Correct: His attempt to apologize was awkward and stilted.
Incorrect: She felt arkward dancing in front of everyone.
Correct: She felt awkward dancing in front of everyone.
Incorrect: The conversation felt very arkward after his comment.
Correct: The conversation felt very awkward after his comment.
Incorrect: The layout of the room was arkward for the guests.
Correct: The layout of the room was awkward for the guests.
Awkward Definitions
Not smooth or graceful; ungainly.
She had an awkward gait.
Causing discomfort due to lack of ease or grace.
His dance moves were rather awkward.
Difficult to handle or deal with.
An awkward silence filled the room.
Causing embarrassment or inconvenience.
It was an awkward situation for everyone.
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
Not positioned correctly; askew.
The picture hung awkward on the wall.
Awkward Meaning in a Sentence
The silence between them was awkward.
I'm always awkward at social gatherings.
The interview started off on an awkward note.
They shared an awkward hug when they said goodbye.
I'm in an awkward situation and don't know what to do.
I had an awkward moment when I forgot his name.
The room's awkward shape made it difficult to furnish.
He held the oversized gift in an awkward manner.
It's an awkward time for a meeting, right at lunchtime.
The topic of conversation turned awkward very quickly.
She felt awkward wearing such formal clothes.
I entered the room at an awkward moment and wished I hadn't.
The chair was placed in an awkward position, blocking the door.
The meeting was filled with awkward pauses.
Carrying the long, awkward package through the narrow hallway was a challenge.
His attempt to be funny was just awkward.
The book ended at an awkward point, leaving many questions unanswered.
It's awkward trying to talk while eating such messy food.
I felt awkward asking for a favor after so long.
We had an awkward conversation about money.
It was awkward when they both reached for the last piece of pizza.
The seating arrangement made for an awkward dining experience.
Their performance had an awkward start but improved quickly.
Common Curiosities
What is the pronunciation of Awkward?
/ˈɔːkwərd/
What is the root word of Awkward?
The root is the Middle English word "awk," meaning turned the wrong way.
Which vowel is used before Awkward?
Typically, no specific vowel precedes "awkward."
What is the verb form of Awkward?
There is no verb form of "awkward."
Why is it called Awkward?
The term "awkward" derives from Old Norse "afugr," meaning turned the wrong way.
Which conjunction is used with Awkward?
No specific conjunction is associated with "awkward."
What is the singular form of Awkward?
Awkward itself is singular.
Which preposition is used with Awkward?
Various prepositions can be used, such as "in," "with," or "for," depending on the context.
Is Awkward a noun or adjective?
Adjective.
Is Awkward a negative or positive word?
Generally considered negative.
Is Awkward an adverb?
No, but "awkwardly" is the adverbial form.
What part of speech is Awkward?
Adjective.
What is another term for Awkward?
Clumsy.
What is the third form of Awkward?
No verb forms.
What is the plural form of Awkward?
Awkward is an adjective and doesn't have a plural form.
What is the second form of Awkward?
No verb forms.
Which article is used with Awkward?
Both "an" and "the" can be used depending on the context.
Is Awkward a countable noun?
No, it's an adjective.
How many syllables are in Awkward?
2 syllables.
How do we divide Awkward into syllables?
Awk-ward.
What is the stressed syllable in Awkward?
The first syllable, "awk," is stressed.
Is Awkward a vowel or consonant?
It's a word made up of both vowels and consonants.
What is the opposite of Awkward?
Graceful or fluent.
How is Awkward used in a sentence?
Handling the delicate vase felt incredibly awkward for him.
Is Awkward an abstract noun?
No.
Is Awkward a collective noun?
No.
Is the Awkward term a metaphor?
No.
Is the word Awkward imperative?
No.
Which determiner is used with Awkward?
No specific determiner is primarily associated; any determiner can be used depending on the context.
What is the first form of Awkward?
Awkward doesn't have verb forms.
Share Your Discovery
Previous Comparison
Personel vs. Personnel
Next Comparison
Becomming vs. BecomingAuthor Spotlight
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.
