uncoordinated movement

[/ˌʌnkoʊˈɔːrdɪneɪtɪd ˈmuːvmənt/]
nounpl: uncoordinated movements
movimento descoordinado
1. Physical movement that lacks proper coordination between different body parts or muscles, resulting in awkward, clumsy, or jerky motions
The child's uncoordinated movements made it difficult for him to play sports.
Os movimentos descoordinados da criança tornavam difícil para ela praticar esportes.
2. A symptom of neurological conditions, developmental disorders, or lack of motor control
Uncoordinated movements can be a sign of cerebellar dysfunction.
Movimentos descoordinados podem ser um sinal de disfunção cerebelar.
3. Lack of synchronization in group activities or collective actions
The dancers' uncoordinated movements ruined the performance.
Os movimentos descoordinados dos dançarinos arruinaram a apresentação.
In Brazil, discussing uncoordinated movements is common in physical education, neurology, and pediatric contexts. The term is frequently used in medical settings and sports training. In the USA, it's commonly referenced in educational assessments for developmental disorders and in fitness contexts. In Portuguese-speaking cultures, there's often more emphasis on the social aspect of clumsiness, with various colloquial expressions reflecting local attitudes toward physical awkwardness.
NYC Slang
clumsy moves / jerky motions
Synonyms / Sinônimos
clumsy movementawkward motionjerky movementdisjointed movementincoordinated movementataxic movement
Antonyms / Antônimos
coordinated movementgraceful movementfluid motionsmooth movementsynchronized movement

Regional Variations

General Brazilian
movimento descoordinado
Most common and widely understood term
Rio de Janeiro
movimento desajeitado
Colloquial variant emphasizing clumsiness
São Paulo
movimento sem coordenação
More formal, analytical approach
Portugal
movimento descoordinado
Same as Brazilian, but may also use 'movimento desastrado' for clumsiness

Related Words

ataxiadyspraxiamotor controlproprioceptionbalance disorderclumsinessgait abnormality

Related Idioms & Phrases

all thumbs
having two left feet
moving like a newborn foal
lacking grace
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