clum·sy /ˈklʌmzi/ ●●○ adjectiveadj (comparativecomp clumsier, superlativesupl clumsiest) 1 CLUMSYmoving or doing things in a careless way, especially so that you drop things, knock into things etc 笨拙的,不灵活的 A clumsy waiter spilled wine all over her new skirt. 一名笨手笨脚的服务员把葡萄酒洒得她新裙子上到处都是。
a clumsy attempt to catch the ball 笨拙的接球动作
► see thesaurus at careless 3 CARELESSa clumsy action or statement is said or done carelessly or badly, and likely to upset someone 〔行为或说话〕笨拙的,不得体的 David made a clumsy attempt to comfort us. 戴维笨嘴拙舌地安慰我们。
—clumsily adverbadv
—clumsiness noun [uncountableU]
n THESAURUSclumsy adjectiveadj moving or doing things in a careless way, especially so that you drop things, knock into things etcShe was very clumsy and was always walking into doors.
With clumsy fingers he took out a pack of cigarettes and tried to light one.
awkward adjectiveadj moving in a way that does not seem relaxed or comfortableHer husband always looked a bit awkward when he was dancing.
an awkward teenager
ungainly adjectiveadj moving in a way that is not graceful – used especially about people or things that are bigThe ostrich is rather an ungainly bird.
She collapsed into the chair in an ungainly manner.
uncoordinated adjectiveadj not able to control your movements very well, and therefore not very good at physical activitiesWhen she first starting playing tennis, her movements were slow and uncoordinated.
accident-prone adjectiveadj often having accidentsI was very accident-prone as a child and was always having to go to hospital.
be all fingers and thumbs British EnglishBrE informal, be all thumbs American EnglishAmE informal to be unable to control your fingers very well, so that you cannot do something‘Do you want some help unwrapping that?’ ‘Yes please, I’m all fingers and thumbs today.’