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clumsily

clumsily

12 2.8
In an awkward way that shows little skill or control
  • adverb
  • /ˈklʌmzɪli/
translation icon : torpemente
  • Here, mechanical figures in an all-fiber home move clumsily around the room.

I've done it clumsily my entire life.

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Examples

  • I hesitated for one awful moment, then walked clumsily across the brick floor and lifted the latch.

    Fiction book (1994)
  • I've done it clumsily my entire life.

  • If I expressed myself clumsily... - It's nothing, really.

  • Minutes later, Jane finished eating and ran clumsily up our long hallway after them.

    Fiction book (1993)
  • Catching them clumsily, she stuffed the ball he had made of them under one arm.

    Fiction book (1995)
  • I will keep my word," Xucate said as she clumsily climbed off the bed.

    Fiction book (1995)
  • Rookie cop looks up in shock, clumsily throws the car in gear, and takes off behind her.

    Fiction book (1994)
  • Hugh dismounted clumsily, but patted the mare on the side away from Sis.

    Fiction book (1994)
  • Re-Phil stood up abruptly, clumsily knocking over one of the pamphlet racks.

    Fiction book (1990)
  • He clumsily tripped over his own feet while trying to impress his friends.

Synonyms

awkwardly
vsclumsily
38 2.7

In a clumsy or uncomfortable way, often showing nervousness around other people

stresses poor skill and coordination rather than social discomfort
ineptly
vsclumsily
1 5.5

In a clumsy way that shows little skill

is more about uncoordinated movement and poor grace rather than only incompetence
jerkily
vsclumsily
1 5.2

With sudden, uneven movements that are not smooth

is about poor control and coordination beyond mere abruptness
inelegantly
vsclumsily
1 5.5

In a clumsy way that is not graceful

is broader also including poor skill and lack of coordination
like a whale
vsclumsily
  • Informal
1 9.6

In a clumsy way, especially when moving or singing

is the neutral description of poor coordination rather than a mocking expression
ungracefully
vsclumsily
1 4.8

In an awkward, clumsy way that is not smooth

is broader including a lack of skill and coordination rather than only elegance
gracelessly
vsclumsily
1 6.5

In an awkward or clumsy way

is broader covering lack of skill and coordination as well as stiffness
stumblingly
vsclumsily
1 7.0

Move or speak in an awkward, unsteady way as if about to fall

covers general lack of coordination and grace beyond simple tripping
woodenly
vsclumsily
1 7.3

In a stiff, awkward way that shows no feeling

covers lack of skill or coordination and awkwardness not only stiffness
maladroitly
vsclumsily
8.7

In a clumsy way that causes problems

focuses more on uncoordinated, graceless movement rather than pure incompetence
unskillfully
vsclumsily
4.0

In a clumsy way that shows little ability

includes poor coordination and lack of grace not only missing skill
fumblingly
vsclumsily
6.7

In a clumsy, hesitant way when someone moves or speaks

is about lack of smooth coordination and graceful control rather than hesitation
lumpily
vsclumsily
7.2

In a heavy, clumsy way that makes movement feel awkward

is broader applying to poor skill or grace not only heavy movement
lurchingly
vsclumsily
8.9

With sudden, unsteady movements that make you lose balance

describes general lack of coordination and grace rather than only sudden jerks
cloddishly
vsclumsily
  • Informal
9.1

In a clumsy or awkward way

focuses more on lack of skill and coordination rather than mere dullness

Antonyms

56 2.8

In a smooth and beautiful way that looks controlled

22 3.2

To do something very well because you have practice and control

How Clumsy

ineptly
1 5.5
clumsily
12 2.8
awkwardly
38 2.7

Surface Forms

clumsily positive

Morphology

clumsily = clumsy (transparent) = clumsy + ly

The word 'clumsily' is transparently derived from 'clumsy' with the addition of the adverbial suffix '-ly'.

Etymology

The word clumsily comes from clumsy, which likely grew from old words like clump that mean 'lump' or a heavy, awkward step. A helpful image is a person moving like a heavy lump, which is why clumsily means moving awkwardly and without grace.