How Do You Spell Awkward? — a Quick Spelling Guide

Ever tried spelling awkward in an essay? Did you hit or miss? How do you spell awkward, and in what context do you use it?

How Do You Spell Awkward?

Awkward is a ubiquitous word, and it is a simple one to learn. 

Some incorrect spellings that make us cry are akward, ackward, akuard, owkward, okward, awkwward, awwkward, awkwar, arkward, etc. 

Awkward is spelled A-W-K-W-A-R-D. Split it into two words to help you never forget. awkward. (Remember the hospital ward?) or try using mnemonics. 

For example, A WeeK in Ward(Simple as ABC!)

When it comes to pronunciation, there are a lot of geographical variances. Phonetics is the best way to learn a new language’s most common sounds.

The following variations are how the word ‘awkward’ is pronounced. In the United Kingdom, it is pronounced as óːkwəd, ˈɔːkwəd, or as two syllables as in “AW” + “kwuhd”

Photo by Bernard Hermant on Unsplash

Guiding Tips for Pronouncing Awkward Properly

Break “awkward” down into its component sounds: [AW] + [KWUHD] – repeat it out loud and emphasize the sounds until you can create them consistently. 

Record yourself using the word awkward in whole sentences, then watch and listen to the recording. You’ll be able to identify your errors readily

Consult pronunciation guides on YouTube to learn how to say “awkward.” Ensure you concentrate on one accent. Combining multiple accents can be confusing for novices, so choose one accent (US or UK) and stick with it. 

Employ a native-speaking instructor to help you improve your pronunciation and learn a new language. You should practice your intonation because it is essential if you want other people to understand your words. 

Practice minimizing the number of words and sentences you use. While this may be considered informal in certain countries, it is acceptable in the United States and a standard component of everyday communication. 

Words That Are the Same As Awkward

Awkward has so many synonyms. Here is a list of them in no particular order.

  • Clumsy-inept-unskillful-unhandy-inexpert.
  • Uncoordinated- graceless-ungainly- gawky-maladroit- clumsy.
  • Gauche-unpolished-unrefined-blundering-oafish-ill-mannered-unmannerly-ill-bred.

Words That Are Opposites of Awkward

  • Deft-adroit-skillful-polite-handy-wellbred-graceful-smooth
  • Gracious-wellmannered-dexterous-polished-refined.

Examples of Awkward Sentences

  • Uncoordinated people are an example of awkward people.
  • An awkward silence occurs when you and your companion cannot come up with anything to say to each other.
  • When 65-year-old men use corny, funny lines on me, the situation becomes quite awkward.

To Wrap Up

Awkward is an English word that means ‘uncomfortable circumstances.’ Circumstances include not knowing what to say to someone or having no idea how to ask for help. 

One possible origin of the word is from the German word ‘Abweiden, which means going around awkwardly to avoid a confrontation or awkward occasion. It’s a word that’s worth speaking and learning about with confidence! 

Pam is an expert grammarian with years of experience teaching English, writing and ESL Grammar courses at the university level. She is enamored with all things language and fascinated with how we use words to shape our world.

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