'awkwardly-applied' originates from the English word 'awkward,' which comes from Middle English 'awkeward,' meaning 'in the wrong direction,' and 'applied,' from Latin 'applicare,' meaning 'to attach or join.'

'awkward' changed from the Middle English word 'awkeward' and eventually became the modern English word 'awkward.' 'Applied' evolved from the Latin 'applicare' through Old French 'appliquer.'

Initially, 'awkward' meant 'in the wrong direction,' but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'clumsy or inept.'