Okward vs. Awkward — Which is Correct Spelling?
By Tayyaba Rehman — Updated on March 24, 2024
"Okward" is an incorrect spelling, whereas "Awkward" is correct. Awkward means lacking grace or causing discomfort.
Table of Contents
Which is correct: Okward or Awkward
How to spell Awkward?
Okward
Incorrect Spelling
Awkward
Correct Spelling
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Key Differences
The correct spelling has "w" before "k," unlike the incorrect form.
"Awkward" begins with the sound "awk" as in "hawk."
Relate "awkward" with "awk"ward situations, emphasizing the distinct "awk" sound.
Think of the word "walk" but with a twist to remember "awk" in "awkward."
Remember "awk" as the main chunk of "awkward," while "okward" lacks this chunk.
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How Do You Spell Awkward Correctly?
Incorrect: He made an okward joke that didn't land well with the audience.
Correct: He made an awkward joke that didn't land well with the audience.
Incorrect: The moment felt okward after they both reached for the same book.
Correct: The moment felt awkward after they both reached for the same book.
Incorrect: The layout of the apartment was okward and impractical.
Correct: The layout of the apartment was awkward and impractical.
Incorrect: Walking in late to the silent room was incredibly okward.
Correct: Walking in late to the silent room was incredibly awkward.
Incorrect: I felt okward trying to start a conversation with strangers.
Correct: I felt awkward trying to start a conversation with strangers.
Awkward Definitions
Awkward describes something lacking skill or dexterity.
He had an awkward gait.
Awkward can mean lacking social graces or manners.
It was an awkward interaction at the party.
It describes something not well planned or designed.
The room had an awkward shape.
It refers to causing inconvenience or discomfort.
An awkward silence filled the room.
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 can also refer to something hard to deal with.
She faced an awkward decision.
Awkward Meaning in a Sentence
Trying to explain why I was late was the most awkward part of my day.
I had an awkward moment when I forgot my new coworker's name.
The handshake was awkward, with both of them going in the wrong direction.
I felt awkward wearing a formal dress at a casual event.
The conversation took an awkward turn when personal topics were brought up.
They shared an awkward silence after disagreeing about the movie.
The meeting was filled with awkward pauses as we waited for latecomers.
The room went silent after her awkward comment about politics.
It's always awkward running into someone you were hoping to avoid.
It's awkward when you wave at someone who doesn't see you.
The dance was awkward, with many of us not knowing the steps.
It was awkward when the comedian's jokes fell flat.
Being the new kid in school is awkward, especially mid-year.
It was awkward trying to eat spaghetti gracefully on a first date.
The seating arrangement was awkward, leaving some guests without a clear view.
He delivered the presentation in an awkward, halting manner.
Finding an old love letter can be a sweet yet awkward experience.
It's awkward when you're the third wheel with a couple.
I had an awkward encounter with a neighbor I'd never spoken to before.
The first day at a new job is always a bit awkward.
I always find it awkward to ask for money, even if it's owed to me.
The hug was awkward, lasting longer than it should have.
An awkward laugh escaped me during the serious meeting.
Common Curiosities
What is the pronunciation of Awkward?
Awkward is pronounced as /ˈɔː.kwərd/.
Why is it called Awkward?
Derived from Old Norse "ǫfugr," meaning turned the wrong way, it describes something out of the ordinary or unusual.
Which vowel is used before Awkward?
The article "an" is used before "awkward."
What is the verb form of Awkward?
Awkward is an adjective and does not have a specific verb form.
What is the singular form of Awkward?
Awkward.
Which preposition is used with Awkward?
"In" as in "awkward in handling situations."
Is Awkward an adverb?
No, but "awkwardly" is its adverbial form.
What is the root word of Awkward?
The root is Old Norse "ǫfugr."
Which conjunction is used with Awkward?
No specific conjunction is exclusively used with "awkward."
Is Awkward a negative or positive word?
Generally negative, though context matters.
Is the word Awkward imperative?
No.
What is the plural form of Awkward?
Awkward is an adjective and doesn't have a plural form.
Is Awkward a vowel or consonant?
"Awkward" is a word containing both vowels and consonants.
What is the first form of Awkward?
N/A, as "Awkward" is an adjective.
What is a stressed syllable in Awkward?
The first syllable "Awk" is stressed.
Which determiner is used with Awkward?
"This" can be used, as in "this awkward moment."
Which article is used with Awkward?
Either "a" or "an" can be used based on context.
Is Awkward an abstract noun?
No, it's an adjective.
Is Awkward a countable noun?
No, it's an adjective.
Is Awkward a collective noun?
No.
How many syllables are in Awkward?
Two syllables.
What is another term for Awkward?
"Clumsy" is a synonym.
What is the opposite of Awkward?
Graceful.
Is the Awkward term a metaphor?
No.
Is the word “Awkward” a Direct object or an Indirect object?
Neither. It's an adjective.
How do we divide Awkward into syllables?
Awk-ward.
What is the second form of Awkward?
N/A.
What is the third form of Awkward?
N/A.
Is Awkward a noun or adjective?
"Awkward" is an adjective.
Is the word Awkward a Gerund?
No.
What part of speech is Awkward?
Adjective.
How is Awkward used in a sentence?
Awkward can be used in a sentence like this: "The silence after his joke was awkward."
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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.
