Clumsy

Pronunciation: /ˈklʌmzi/

Definitions of clumsy

adjective describing someone who lacks coordination or is awkward in movement

Example Sentences

A1 She is very clumsy and often drops things.

A2 The clumsy waiter spilled soup on the customer.

B1 Despite his clumsy attempts, he managed to finish the project on time.

B2 The clumsy dancer tripped over her own feet during the performance.

C1 His clumsy handling of the delicate equipment led to a costly mistake.

C2 The clumsy oaf managed to break several valuable artifacts in the museum.

Examples of clumsy in a Sentence

formal The clumsy waiter spilled water on the customer's lap.

informal I'm so clumsy, I keep dropping things everywhere.

slang She's such a klutz, always tripping over her own feet.

figurative His clumsy attempt at flirting left her unimpressed.

Grammatical Forms of clumsy

• past tense: clumsied
• plural: clumsies
• comparative: clumsier
• superlative: clumsiest
• present tense: clumsy
• future tense: will be clumsy
• perfect tense: has been clumsy
• continuous tense: is being clumsy
• singular: clumsy
• positive degree: clumsy
• infinitive: to be clumsy
• gerund: clumsying
• participle: clumsying

Origin and Evolution of clumsy

First Known Use: 1590 year

Language of Origin: Old English

Story behind the word: The word 'clumsy' originated from the Old English word 'clumsi', which meant 'clumsy, fettered'. It is believed to have been derived from the Old Norse word 'klumsa', meaning 'to be awkward'.

Evolution of the word: Over time, the word 'clumsy' has retained its meaning of being awkward or lacking skill, but its usage has expanded to describe physical awkwardness as well as ineptitude in various tasks.