If you need ideas on how to describe awkwardness in writing, you’ve come to the right place. Check out the following 10 words you can use to describe an awkward character.
1. Fumbled
Definition
To try to reach or hold something in a clumsy or awkward way.
Examples
“Anthony fumbled for the bag when his crush handed it to him. It was obvious he was extra nervous.”
“As soon as the celebrity entered the room, Bethany couldn’t stop fumbling with the edge of her cardigan.”
How it Adds Description
You can use “fumbled” to portray a character’s awkwardness through their nervous movements. If a character is “fumbling,” they’re trying to do or hold something in a clumsy way, showing their feelings of awkwardness is affecting their physical movements. Other characters might notice that they are “fumbling” and pity them because it’s embarrassing.
2. Blushed
Definition
When your face turns redder than usual due to embarrassment or shame.
Examples
“Tracy blushed after she accidentally called her teacher mom. She wished the ground would swallow her whole.”
“The young boy blushed when everyone in the room looked at him. He felt so awkward when people looked at him.”
How it Adds Description
“Blushed” shows that your character has had a physical reaction due to feeling awkward, and this might catch the attention of other characters. Kind characters might ignore their awkward “blush.” However, not-so-nice characters might start to tease the character for “blushing.”
3. Winced
Definition
When your face suddenly tightens due to hearing or seeing something unpleasant or awkward.
Examples
“The audience winced after Mary’s bad joke, and an awkward silence followed.”
“The actor’s audition was so cringeworthy that the casting agent winced during the performance.”
How it Adds Description
The word “winced” can show a character is feeling awkward after an unpleasant or strange interaction. This verb indicates that the character made a face due to their feelings of awkwardness, which could make their feelings evident to other characters nearby. “Winced” has negative connotations, and so if a character “winces,” the person the wince is directed at might become offended.
4. Fidgeted
Definition
To continue moving your hands, feet, or position due to feeling nervous or awkward.
Examples
“Annalise fidgeted as her mother scanned her outfit. She hated it when someone looked her up and down.”
“Gabriel always fidgeted when he was told off. It was an impulse he just couldn’t ignore.”
How it Adds Description
“Fidgeted” shows that a character is feeling uncomfortable and, therefore, can’t stop moving around. This can be a clear physical tell that they’re awkward, and other characters might notice that they can’t sit still. Characters who “fidget” might have higher anxiety levels, and this might manifest in them feeling awkward and “fidgety” more often.
5. Cringed
Definition
To feel embarrassed or disgusted by something and to show it through your expression.
Examples
“The king cringed when the local peasants tried to curtsey. They were doing it very wrong but with such confidence that he didn’t want to let them know.”
“The teenage girl cringed when she realized that she accidentally posted an old selfie to her Instagram story.”
How it Adds Description
“Cringed” can show that a character is feeling awkward or embarrassed to the point that they show it on their face with a disgusted look or slight movement. Characters might “cringe” when something awkward takes them by surprise or if something is especially embarrassing to them or a loved one.
6. Stuttered
Definition
When someone has difficulty speaking.
Examples
“The teacher made John read from the text, and he couldn’t stop stuttering due to the others looking at him.”
“Mary stuttered when the headteacher addressed her. She’d never get used to speaking to teachers.”
How it Adds Description
When a character “stutters,” it shows that their awkwardness is so intense that it’s affecting their ability to talk. “Stuttering” might be common for characters who are scared of authority figures or don’t like speaking in front of others. It can also show their inability to calmly deal with awkward situations, as “stuttering” might be a physical response to nerves.
7. Clumsily
Definition
To move things in an awkward or careless way.
Examples
“Tommy clumsily knocked over the vase when his ex-wife walked into the room.”
“The awkwardness of the situation was too much for Jenny, making her clumsily trip while trying to exit the room.”
How it Adds Description
If a character is feeling awkward and nervous, they might become more “clumsy,” as their thoughts are concentrating on how awkward the situation is rather than how to act normally. If a character starts acting “clumsy,” a nasty character might comment on their behavior or laugh at them, thus amplifying their awkwardness.
8. Robotic
Definition
Someone moving in a mechanical or stiff way.
Examples
“Dancing didn’t come naturally to Sarah, and her robotic movements showed her friends how awkward she felt on the dance floor.”
“Though he’d practiced every night in front of the mirror, Jamie was robotic while giving his speech.”
How it Adds Description
Sometimes, characters might freeze up or become stiff in an awkward situation, and you can describe the behavior as “robotic.” This is often due to nerves, and it’s more common in characters who don’t feel at ease in front of an audience.
9. Hesitant
Definition
To be uncertain about doing something because of worry or embarrassment.
Examples
“Remmy was hesitant to continue with his set after the awkward silence that followed his first song.”
“Freddy was so awkward around senior colleagues that he was hesitant to ask his boss for a day off.”
How it Adds Description
If a situation is awkward or uncomfortable for a character, they might be “hesitant” to go through with it. Their “hesitancy” shows that they’re aware of the awkwardness and don’t want to experience it or put others through it.
10. Giggled
Definition
To laugh in a childlike way due to embarrassment, amusement, or nerves.
Examples
“As the doctor gave Danny his biopsy results, he couldn’t stop giggling despite the shocked look on the doctor’s face.”
“Jake giggled all throughout his redundancy meeting. He couldn’t help it, as it was his body’s unnatural reaction to awkwardness.”
How it Adds Description
You can show your character’s awkwardness through “giggling,” as sometimes people laugh or smile when they’re in a nerve-wracking or embarrassing situation. Other characters might find this strange, and some might not understand this reaction at all.