awkwardly-built
|awk/ward/ly-built|
🇺🇸
/ˈɔːkwərdli bɪlt/
🇬🇧
/ˈɔːkwədli bɪlt/
inelegantly constructed
Etymology
'awkwardly-built' originates from the combination of 'awkwardly,' an adverb meaning 'in an awkward manner,' and 'built,' the past participle of 'build,' meaning 'constructed.'
'Awkwardly' comes from Middle English 'awkeward,' meaning 'in the wrong direction,' and 'built' from Old English 'byldan,' meaning 'to construct.'
Initially, 'awkwardly' meant 'in the wrong direction,' but over time it evolved to mean 'lacking grace or skill.'
Meanings by Part of Speech
Adjective 1
constructed or designed in a manner that lacks grace or aesthetic appeal.
The house was awkwardly-built, with uneven walls and mismatched windows.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Last updated: 2025/02/12 01:19