awk

awk — adjective

IPA/ɔːks/
IPA/ɑːks/
  • awkpositive
  • awkercomparative
  • awkestsuperlative

1. a very informal short form of 'awkward,' used to describe a moment, event, or so

1.形容詞B1
釋義

a very informal short form of 'awkward,' used to describe a moment, event, or social situation that makes people feel embarrassed or uncomfortable

例句

Omar sent the wrong text to his boss and the silence was so awk.

Yumi went for a high-five, but the other person just stared — pure awk.

collocation: pure awk (emphatic use)

同義詞
  • awkward

    the full, standard form; acceptable in all registers from casual to formal

  • cringey

    even more informal than 'awk'; emphasises second-hand embarrassment

  • uncomfortable

    broader word; can describe physical as well as social discomfort

反義詞
  • smooth

    describes a social exchange that flows easily without tension

文法句型

be + awk

get + awk

it is + awk + when/that-clause

用法筆記

Only for very informal contexts — text messages, social media, casual conversation. Never use in essays, formal emails, or workplace communication. When in doubt, use 'awkward' instead.

常見錯誤

❌The meeting was awk.' (in a formal email)
✅Use 'awkward' or 'uncomfortable' instead.
💡'awk' is too informal for professional writing.
❌I feel awk about speaking in public.
✅I feel awkward about speaking in public.
💡'awk' normally describes situations, not personal feelings.

awk — adverb

IPA/ˈɔːk/
IPA/ˈɔːk/