OpenSynonym

oafish

/ˈoʊfɪʃ/

ADJECTIVE

1. Clumsy and awkward

Characteristic of an oaf; physically awkward, ungainly, or lacking coordination and grace.

1.1. Physically awkward or uncoordinated

Describing someone whose movements are clumsy, awkward, or lacking physical coordination.

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Antonyms

Examples

  • Despite his best efforts, his oafish movements made the dance look awkward.
  • He made an oafish attempt to carry all the boxes at once.

Related Words

  • lumbering
  • stumbling
  • inelegant
  • all thumbs
  • butterfingered

1.2. Clumsy or inept handling

Describing an action or attempt that is awkwardly performed or poorly executed.

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Antonyms

Examples

  • He made an oafish attempt at humor, but no one laughed.
  • The oafish handling of the delicate equipment caused it to break.

Related Words

ADJECTIVE

2. Stupid or foolish

Characteristic of a person who is unintelligent, foolish, or lacking good judgment.

2.1. Lacking intelligence or common sense

Describing someone or their behavior as stupid, slow-witted, or lacking the ability to think sensibly.

Synonyms

  • foolish
  • stupid
  • doltish
  • dim-witted
  • brainless
  • witless
  • gormless
  • dense
  • boneheaded
  • idiotic
  • simpleminded
  • obtuse

Antonyms

Examples

  • His oafish remarks revealed how little he understood the situation.
  • The oafish decision showed a complete lack of common sense.

Related Words

2.2. Foolish or unreasonable behavior

Describing actions, decisions, or remarks that demonstrate poor judgment or a lack of sensible thinking.

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Antonyms

Examples

  • His oafish behavior made the otherwise elegant affair uncomfortable.
  • The manager was frustrated by the employee's oafish approach to the problem.

Related Words