1 difficult to deal with 很难处理的: That's an awkward question. 这是个很难回答的问题。You've put me in an awkward position. 你使我的处境很尴尬。an awkward customer 难以应付的顾客The box isn't heavy but it's awkward to carry. 箱子不重，但很难拿。

2 not convenient, difficult 不方便的；困难的: My mother always phones at an awkward time. 我母亲总是在我不方便的时候打电话来。This tin-opener is very awkward to clean. 这把开罐刀很难清洗。

3 embarrassed or embarrassing 困窘的；令人困窘的: I often feel awkward in a group of people. 我在人群中常常感到局促不安。There was an awkward silence. 有一阵令人尴尬的沉默。

4 not using the body in the best way; not elegant or comfortable （身体姿势）别扭的、不雅观的或不舒服的: I was sitting with my legs in an awkward position. 我的两条腿没有坐舒服。 ➔awkwardly adv ➔awkwardness noun [U]