Clumsily

Clumsily describes an action performed in a way that lacks grace, skill, or coordination, often resulting in awkward movements or accidents. It signifies a lack of physical dexterity or finesse. This can extend beyond the purely physical, to describe awkwardness or insensitivity in social interactions or handling of abstract concepts. The term suggests a degree of carelessness, ineptitude, or a lack of awareness of one's own movements or the surrounding environment. Actions performed clumsily tend to be unrefined and sometimes disruptive, highlighting a deficiency in the execution of a task or a social situation.

Clumsily meaning with examples

• He fumbled clumsily with the heavy box, dropping it with a loud crash. The impact shattered the fragile contents, leaving him mortified at his own lack of coordination. He apologized profusely, realizing the damage his clumsy handling had caused. Now, he cautiously surveyed the mess he made, knowing the consequences of his actions.
• Sarah, trying to appear nonchalant, clumsily navigated the crowded dance floor, bumping into several people. Her awkward attempts at fancy footwork led to several near-misses, drawing unwanted attention. She sighed, embarrassed by her lack of rhythm and grace as the music played on. Giving up, she retreated to the side, watching other dancers.
• During the presentation, the speaker clumsily attempted to incorporate a complex data set, struggling to explain it clearly. The audience became confused as he stumbled over the terminology and jumbled the information. He had not anticipated the nuances or difficulty of the subject and failed at the attempt. His clumsy attempt made the subject more opaque.
• The toddler clumsily tried to build a tower of blocks, knocking it down repeatedly. Each attempt ended in a chaotic tumble, but his persistence was admirable. He giggled at the mess, showing a carefree enjoyment of the process. The innocent enjoyment was free of any self-consciousness over the failures of his clumsy efforts.