Which word signifies a lack of social grace or tact?

The word "gauche" aptly signifies a lack of social grace or tact. It originates from the French term meaning "left" and has come to describe someone who is awkward, crude, or lacking in social finesse. In social contexts, a gauche individual may make inappropriate comments or behave in a manner that is considered socially unacceptable or clumsy, indicating a failure to navigate social norms effectively.

The other words do not convey this specific meaning. "Equipoise" refers to a state of balance or equilibrium, "gossamer" relates to something very light, thin, or delicate, often used to describe fabrics or cobwebs, and "hallow" means to sanctify or make holy. None of these alternatives captures the essence of social awkwardness that "gauche" does.