awkwardness

Definition

The state or quality of being awkward; clumsiness; unskillfulness.

Etymology

From awkward + -ness.

Example Sentences

• "[…] instead of the joyous voices of his playfellows he hears the rough commands of an unindulgent master or a scolding mistress; — he is continually reproached for his awkwardness and timidity, and reminded of his pauper origin."