awkward vs. cumbersome (old fashioned?)

[Pstein]

Are these terms absolute synonyms?

Or does "awkward" refer more to non-physical methods whereas "cumbersome" means more physical actions?

Is "cumbersome" old-fashioned?

[Alan]

Hi Pstein,

'Awkward' often suggests difficult to handle both for things and people. An awkward customer in a shop is someone who likes to complain or insists on everything being done as it says in the rules and regulations. An awkward repair to your car could be trying to replace or repair a part which is difficult to reach.

'Cumbersome' is something that you find difficult to move such as a piano in and out of a house.

I can't think how either word could be replaced by 'old fashioned', which suggests out of fashion/traditional/outmoded.

Alan
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