While 'clownish' can seem fun, it's often used to criticize someone's behavior as foolish or embarrassing in serious situations. His constant interruptions during the meeting were seen as clownish by the executives.
Pro Tip 2/3
Informal Settings
'Clownish' is more suitable for informal language and can sound out of place in formal writing or speeches. Her clownish mimicry was a hit at the family barbecue.
Pro Tip 3/3
Not Always Funny
Sometimes 'clownish' implies that someone isn't deliberately trying to be funny, but rather they are unintentionally acting in a silly way. His clownish attempt at fixing the sink only lead to a bigger leak.