adjective
1. hard to deal with; especially causing pain or embarrassment (Freq. 3)
-
awkward (or embarrassing or difficult) moments in the discussion
-
an awkward pause followed his remark
-
a sticky question
-
in the unenviable position of resorting to an act he had planned to save for the climax of the campaign
• Syn: ↑awkward, ↑sticky, ↑unenviable
• Derivationally related forms: ↑awkwardness (for: ↑awkward)
2. causing to feel shame or chagrin or vexation (Freq. 2)
-
the embarrassing moment when she found her petticoat down around her ankles
-
it was mortifying to know he had heard every word
• Syn: ↑mortifying
• Similar to: ↑unpleasant
Useful english dictionary. 2012.