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maladresse

clumsiness, awkwardness

noun mah-lah-DRESS Rare
Descriptions & Qualities Personality

Origin: French 'maladroit' (clumsy) + '-esse'

Also means

blunder, gaffe

Usage Note

Maladresse describes both a lack of physical dexterity and a social blunder or tactless remark. The adjective maladroit/maladroite is the base form. Commettre une maladresse means to make a clumsy mistake, especially in social interactions.

Examples

"Sa maladresse lui a coûté le poste."

Natural Translation

His clumsiness cost him the position.

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