First Known Use: circa 1598
Dictionary
clumsy
adjective clum·sy \ˈkləm-zē\
: moving or doing things in a very awkward way and tending to drop or break things
: badly or awkwardly made or done
: hard to use : awkward to handle
clum·si·erclum·si·est
Full Definition of CLUMSY
1
a : lacking dexterity, nimbleness, or grace <clumsy fingers> b : lacking tact or subtlety <a clumsy joke>
2
: awkward or inefficient in use or construction : unwieldy <a clumsy contraption>
— clum·si·ly \-zə-lē\ adverb
— clum·si·ness \-zē-nəs\ noun
See clumsy defined for English-language learners
See clumsy defined for kids
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Origin of CLUMSY
probably from obsolete English clumse benumbed with cold
Related to CLUMSY
- Synonyms
- awkward, butterfingered, cack-handed [British], graceless, ham-fisted, ham-handed, handless, heavy-handed, left-handed, maladroit, unhandy, all thumbs
- Antonyms
- deft, dexterous (also dextrous), handy, sure-handed
Synonym Discussion of CLUMSY
awkward, clumsy, maladroit, inept, gauche mean not marked by ease (as of performance, movement, or social conduct). awkward is widely applicable and may suggest unhandiness, inconvenience, lack of muscular control, embarrassment, or lack of tact <periods of awkward silence>. clumsy implies stiffness and heaviness and so may connote inflexibility, unwieldiness, or lack of ordinary skill <a clumsy mechanic>. maladroit suggests a tendency to create awkward situations <a maladroit politician>. inept often implies complete failure or inadequacy <a hopelessly inept defense attorney>. gauche implies the effects of shyness, inexperience, or ill breeding <felt gauche and unsophisticated at formal parties>.
CLUMSILY Defined for Kids
clumsy
adjective clum·sy \ˈkləm-zē\
clum·si·erclum·si·est
Definition of CLUMSY for Kids
1
: lacking skill or grace in movement <clumsy fingers>
2
: awkwardly or carelessly made or done <a clumsy apology> <a clumsy error>
3
: awkward to handle <a clumsy package>
— clum·si·ly \-zə-lē\ adverb
— clum·si·ness \-zē-nəs\ noun
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