maladroit
UK/.mælә'drɒit/US
GREC2
Definitions
adj.
Clumsy, awkward; lacking skill or tact, especially in handling a situation
笨拙的，拙劣的；（处理事情）不得体的
Root Breakdown
Root-derivedmal-bad, ill, wrong
+
adroitroot
=maladroit
mal- (badly) + French adroit (skilful, dexterous) = 'not skilful' = clumsy. adroit itself comes from French à droit ('to the right,' i.e., the deft, correct way), so maladroit is literally 'the wrong-handed way' of doing things.
Example Sentences
- 1.
His maladroit attempt at an apology only made things worse.
- 2.
The minister gave a maladroit answer that offended everyone.
Easily Confused
maladroit vs adroit — direct opposites: adroit (skilful, deft) vs maladroit (clumsy, inept). mal- flips the skill into its absence. maladroit usually describes handling situations badly, not physical clumsiness — for that, use 'clumsy' or 'awkward.'