Clumsy
/ˈklʌm.zi/
adjectiveA2
Definition
Clumsy means not having good control of your movements. It is when a person or thing often drops, breaks, or bumps into things because they are not careful or smooth. It can also describe actions that are not done well or carefully.
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⚡ See It in Action
Moving or acting in a way that causes accidents or mistakes
- •He is clumsy and often drops his phone.
- •The clumsy waiter spilled the water on the table.
- •She felt clumsy trying to dance in high heels.
Describing something done without skill or care
- •That was a clumsy way to solve the problem.
- •His clumsy words hurt her feelings.
- •The clumsy repair made the machine worse.
🧲 Make It Stick
- ✓Think of "clumsy" like "awkward," but more about physical movements or actions that cause accidents or mistakes.
- ✓Picture a person walking and tripping over their own feet or dropping a glass without meaning to.
- ✓It's the feeling when you try to carry many things but keep dropping them, feeling a bit embarrassed.
- ✓Sounds like "CLUM-zee" → imagine a clumsy clown slipping and falling while trying to juggle.
- ✓Think of a baby learning to walk—moving carefully but often falling or bumping into things.
- ✓NOT like "careful" (moves with attention and control), clumsy is the opposite—moves without control or grace.
- ✓NOT like "strong" (powerful movement), clumsy is about being awkward and uncoordinated.
- ✓NOT like "fast" (quick movement), clumsy movement is often slow but not smooth.
🔄 Try Other Words
- •Awkward: not smooth or comfortable (Use when the problem is about social or physical discomfort)
- •Uncoordinated: lacking control of movements (Use when emphasizing poor physical control)
- •Inept: not skillful (Use when focusing on lack of skill, often in actions or tasks)
🔍 Unboxing
- •Word parts: "clum-" (possibly from old English meaning heavy or lumpish) + "-sy" (adjective suffix)
- •Etymology: From Middle English "clumsie," meaning heavy or awkward in movement
- •Historical development: Used since the 1500s to describe people or actions that are not smooth or skillful
- •Modern usage: Commonly used to describe people who often make physical mistakes or actions done without skill or care
💭 Reflect & Connect
•Can someone be clumsy in some activities but skillful in others? How does that happen?
•How do you feel when you see someone being clumsy? Does it make you laugh, feel worried, or something else?
Fill in the blanks with the correct word:
1.He is clumsy because he often ___ things without meaning to.
2.When someone is clumsy, they may ___ into furniture or drop objects.
3.Unlike a careful person, a clumsy person moves without ___ or control.
4.The clumsy mistake in the report showed that the writer did not ___ enough attention.
5.She laughed at her clumsy attempt to ___ the difficult dance steps.
6.The waiter was so clumsy that he ___ the drinks all over the table.
7.You can tell someone is clumsy when they ___ many accidents in a short time.