Maladroit meaning is an adjective describing someone clumsy or unskillful in their actions or behavior.
History of the Word Maladroit
Historical Usage
In historical contexts, “maladroit” was used to describe individuals who lacked finesse or skill in their activities. It often referred to people who were awkward, inept, or uncoordinated in their actions.
Modern Usage
In contemporary usage, “maladroit” remains an adjective that characterizes someone’s clumsiness or lack of skill. It can refer to physical clumsiness, such as being awkward with one’s movements, or it can describe social ineptitude, where someone lacks tact or finesse in social interactions.
English (Maladroit As Adjective)
Etymology
Maladroit originates from French, combining “mal” (bad) and “adroit” (skilled), describing clumsiness or lack of skill.
Pronunciation
Pronounced as: /ˌmæləˈdrɔɪt/ (mal-uh-DROYT)
Forms of Maladroit
| Type | Form |
|---|---|
| Comparative Degree | More maladroit |
| Superlative Degree | Most maladroit |
| Adverb | Maladroitly |
| Noun | Maladroitness (rarely used) |
Derived Terms
- Maladroitness
- Maladroitly
- Maladroiter
- Maladroitest
Translations of Maladroit
- Spanish: Torpe
- French: Maladroit
- German: Ungeschickt
- Italian: Maldestro
- Portuguese: Desajeitado
- Russian: Неуклюжий (Neuklyuzhiy)
- Chinese (Simplified): 笨拙的 (Bèn zhuō de)
- Maladroit meaning in Hindi: अकुशल (Akushal)
- Urdu: بے ہوش (Be Hosh)
Synonyms
- Clumsy
- Inept
- Awkward
- Unskilled
- Bungling
Antonyms
- Skillful
- Dexterous
- Coordinated
- Proficient
- Adroit
Examples Sentence
- His maladroit attempt at juggling ended in a mess.
- She felt maladroit in social situations, often saying the wrong things
- The maladroit handling of delicate equipment resulted in damage.
FAQs (People May Also Ask)
Is maladroit only used to describe physical clumsiness?
No, it can also describe social clumsiness or a lack of skill in various areas, not just physical movements.
What’s the difference between maladroit and awkward?
Maladroit suggests a lack of skill, while awkward implies discomfort or lack of grace in a situation.
Can maladroit be used to describe objects or actions?
It’s typically used to describe people but can be extended to describe actions or objects if they lack finesse or skill.
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