clumsy

English

Etymology

Possibly from an alteration of clumsed (benumbed) or from clumse (a stupid fellow; lout) + -y. More at clumse.

Pronunciation

  • (UK, US) IPA(key): /ˈklʌmzi/
  • (file)

Adjective

clumsy (comparative clumsier, superlative clumsiest)

  1. Awkward, lacking coordination, not graceful, not dextrous.
    He's very clumsy. I wouldn't trust him with carrying the dishes.
  2. Not elegant or well-planned, lacking tact or subtlety.
    It is a clumsy solution, but it might work for now.
    What a clumsy joke
  3. Awkward or inefficient in use or construction, difficult to handle or manage especially because of shape.

Derived terms

Translations

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Noun

clumsy (plural clumsies)

  1. (informal, fairly rare) A clumsy person.
    • 1934, P. L. Travers, Mary Poppins:
      “Well, you are a clumsy,” said Ellen, as she bent down to mop up the water. “That was for your father’s shaving.”

Synonyms

Translations

The translations below need to be checked and inserted above into the appropriate translation tables. See instructions at Wiktionary:Entry layout § Translations.

See also

Anagrams

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