clumsy
UK[ˈklʌmzi]US[ˈklʌmzi]
adj
moving or doing things in a careless way, often so that you drop things, knock into things, etc.
adj
(of an object) difficult to move or use easily; not well designed.
adj
(of actions or statements) done without skill or grace; awkward.
Etymology
the word 'clumsy' entered english in the late 16th century, derived from the now-obsolete english verb 'clumse', meaning 'to be numb with cold'. this verb itself has probable scandinavian roots, related to the old norse 'klumsa', meaning 'to make speechless or numb'. the semantic connection lies in the idea of physical stiffness or numbness impairing movement and dexterity. over time, the meaning shifted from the literal state of being benumbed to the more general sense of being awkward, ungainly, or lacking in manual skill. this evolution captures the metaphorical extension from a physical condition to a characteristic of movement or design.
Analysis
the word 'clumsy' is a simplex word of scandinavian origin. it does not contain separable morphemes in modern english.
Examples
she was clumsy and knocked over the vase.
the remote control was a clumsy design, difficult to hold.
he made a clumsy attempt to apologize.