How to pronounce awkwardness
Say it like AW-kwerd-nus. Awkwardness has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (AW).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce awkwardness. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- AW
- kwerd
- nus
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Awkwardness pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- AWSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "aw" in law.
- kwerdKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "er" in butter.
- nusKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
American vs British pronunciation of awkwardness
- Americans pronounce the r after a vowel; most British speakers leave it silent and lengthen the vowel instead.
British respelling: AW-kwud-nus.
What does awkwardness mean?
- The state or quality of being awkward; clumsiness; unskillfulness.
- The quality of an embarrassing situation.
Where does awkwardness come from?
From awkward + -ness.
Similar and opposite words
Similar meaning
Questions about saying awkwardness
How do you pronounce awkwardness?
Say AW-kwerd-nus. The American pronunciation is /ˈɔkwɚdnəs/. In British English it is /ˈɔːkwədnəs/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in awkwardness?
Awkwardness has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (AW). Broken into parts: AW · kwerd · nus.
Is awkwardness 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 /ˈɔːkwədnəs/ (AW-kwud-nus).