French word

maladroitement

Pronunciation

IPA/maladʁwatəmɑ̃/

Meaning

  • adverbawkwardly

Example

Elle sourit maladroitement devant la caméra.

She smiled awkwardly in front of the camera.

Illustration for maladroitement (awkwardly)

More examples

Il a répondu maladroitement à la question.

He responded awkwardly to the question.

Core concept

An awkward movement that lacks smooth, natural coordination.

Common phrases

  • sourire maladroitement

    smile awkwardly

  • répondre maladroitement

    respond awkwardly

  • parler maladroitement

    speak awkwardly

Similar words

gauchement: In an ungainly way, with poorly coordinated body or limb movements.
timidement: Hesitantly, as if lacking confidence or courage.
malhabilement: Ineptly, without the skill needed to perform something well.

Definition in French

En exécutant quelque chose avec gaucherie, sans fluidité ni adresse.

Word origin

Maladroitement comes from French maladroit, formed with mal- meaning 'badly' and adroit meaning 'skilful', plus the adverb ending -ement.

Usage tips

  • As an adverb, maladroitement stays unchanged, unlike the adjective maladroit, which changes to maladroite in the feminine.

Other meanings

  • clumsilyadverb
  • poorlyadverb

Opposites

Related words

Word lists with this word