Awkward
Awkward adjective - Causing embarrassment.
Usage example: the awkward situation of having to listen as your host and hostess quarrel loudly in the next room
Confusing and awkward are semantically related. In some cases you can use "Confusing" instead an adjective "Awkward".
Nearby Words: awkwardness, awkwardly
Mutual synonyms
Both words in one sentence
- Although there's no actual on screen sex, the act is portrayed realistically as awkward and confusing in The 40-Year-Old Virgin for a 40 year-old who's never done it.
Source: Idealized Sex -
Ending a sentence with a preposition is also something they will not tolerate, even if it invariably leads to awkward or confusing renderings note That is, to use the old joke, it's something up with which they will not put.
Source: Grammar Nazi - Meet the In-Laws: It's mentioned in passing that it was a lot less awkward and confusing the second time that Sakura introduced her teammate-turned-enemy-turned-teammate-turned-boyfriend-turned-husband-turned-teammate-turned-boyfriend Sasuke to her parents.
Cite this Source
Confusing and Awkward. (2016). Retrieved 2026, August 15, from https://thesaurus.plus/related/awkward/confusing
Awkward & Confusing. N.p., 2016. Web. 15 Aug. 2026. <https://thesaurus.plus/related/awkward/confusing>.
Confusing or Awkward. 2016. Accessed August 15, 2026. https://thesaurus.plus/related/awkward/confusing.
Google Ngram Viewer shows how "awkward" and "confusing" have occurred on timeline