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

a : lacking dexterity, nimbleness, or grace <clumsy fingers>

b : lacking tact or subtlety <a clumsy joke>

: 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

Origin of CLUMSY

probably from obsolete English clumse benumbed with cold

First Known Use: circa 1598

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>.

CLUMSY Defined for Kids