The word "awkward" describes a state of being uncomfortable or clumsy in social situations or physical movements. When something is awkward, it often feels uneasy, embarrassing, or difficult to manage. For example, a conversation might become awkward if there are long silences, or a person might feel awkward when trying to navigate through a crowded space.
The word "awkward" comes from the Middle English word "awkeward," which means "backward" or "perverse." It is derived from the Old Norse word "afugr," meaning "turned the wrong way" or "perverse." Over time, its usage has evolved to describe physical clumsiness and social discomfort.