lacking dexterity or skill, esp in the use of hands; clumsy
lacking ease or grace, e.g. of movement or expression
lacking social grace and assurance
causing embarrassment
an awkward moment
poorly adapted for use or handling
requiring caution
an awkward diplomatic situation
deliberately obstructive
the awkward squad
people who are difficult to deal with or unwilling to conform. The term was originally applied to untrained military recruits, and was attributed to the Scottish poet Robert Burns in his dying words in 1796: ‘John, don't let the awkward squad fire over me’, which probably alluded to his fear of a metaphorical gun salute from the literary establishment after his death
awkwardly adv
awkwardness noun
[Middle English awkeward in the wrong direction, from awke turned the wrong way, from Old Norse öfugr + -ward]