How to pronounce awkward
Say it like AH-kwerd. Awkward has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (AH).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce awkward. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- AH
- kwerd
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Awkward pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- AHSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "ah" in father.
- kwerdKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "er" in butter.
American vs British pronunciation of awkward
- Americans pronounce the r after a vowel; most British speakers leave it silent and lengthen the vowel instead.
British respelling: AW-kwud.
Other ways to say awkward
Awkward also has this pronunciation, usually with a different meaning or use:
- AW-kwerd /ˈɔkwɚd/
What does awkward mean?
- causing inconvenience“they arrived at an awkward time”
- lacking grace or skill in manner or movement or performance“an awkward dancer”“an awkward gesture”
- difficult to handle or manage especially because of shape“an awkward bundle to carry”“a load of bunglesome paraphernalia”
Where does awkward come from?
From awk (“odd, clumsy”) + -ward.
Similar and opposite words
Opposite meaning
Questions about saying awkward
How do you pronounce awkward?
Say AH-kwerd. The American pronunciation is /ˈɑkwɚd/. In British English it is /ˈɔːkwəd/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in awkward?
Awkward has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (AH). Broken into parts: AH · kwerd.
Is awkward pronounced differently in British English?
Yes. Americans pronounce the r after a vowel; most British speakers leave it silent and lengthen the vowel instead. The British form is /ˈɔːkwəd/ (AW-kwud).