1
as in clumsy
difficult to use or operate especially because of size, weight, or design
getting the ungainly couch up the stairs was a real chore
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in awkward
having or showing an inability to move in a graceful manner
the tree cutter was crushing any unlucky petunias that lay in the path of his ungainly tread
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of ungainly
But then, only an actor who doesn’t quite fit in could have brought László to life with his ungainly, spirited passion, vanity and self-belief intact.
—
Tatiana Siegel, Variety, 5 Feb. 2025
The apparent impact is on video, with the ungainly trims placed on the picture demanded by a wide corner a thing of the past on the S25 Utlra.
—Ewan Spence, Forbes, 6 Jan. 2025
With two soldiers able to wrestle the ungainly seven foot long M20 into position on its tripod, the mobility of such a lethal system proved to be a game changer.
—Mike Hanlon, New Atlas, 12 Oct. 2024
Series 2 cars, built through 1971, made concessions to U.S. safety regulations, and the Series 3 cars, available as a convertible and an ungainly 2+2, were powered by a 5.3-liter V12 engine.
—Robert Ross, Robb Report, 28 Sep. 2024
See All Example Sentences for ungainly
Tatiana Siegel, Variety, 5 Feb. 2025
The apparent impact is on video, with the ungainly trims placed on the picture demanded by a wide corner a thing of the past on the S25 Utlra.
—Ewan Spence, Forbes, 6 Jan. 2025
With two soldiers able to wrestle the ungainly seven foot long M20 into position on its tripod, the mobility of such a lethal system proved to be a game changer.
—Mike Hanlon, New Atlas, 12 Oct. 2024
Series 2 cars, built through 1971, made concessions to U.S. safety regulations, and the Series 3 cars, available as a convertible and an ungainly 2+2, were powered by a 5.3-liter V12 engine.
—Robert Ross, Robb Report, 28 Sep. 2024
See All Example Sentences for ungainly
Recent Examples of Synonyms for ungainly
Adjective
-
The character first appears in the franchise’s original film Scream (1996) as the older brother of Tatum Riley (Rose McGowan) and the clumsy police deputy trying to help solve the murders in their town of Woodsboro.—
Rosy Cordero,
Deadline,
4 Mar. 2025
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Aviles’ dismissal, for a clumsy challenge on the edge of the penalty area, seemed set to turn the game.—
Martin Rogers,
The Athletic,
22 Feb. 2025
Adjective
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However, whether the friendship will survive the awkward gift exchange remains to be seen.—
Dan Perry,
Newsweek,
2 Mar. 2025
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When Anne Hathaway co-hosted the ceremony with James Franco in 2012, it was widely panned as the Academy's awkward attempt to attract younger viewers.—
Lucia Suarez Sang,
CBS News,
2 Mar. 2025
Adjective
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Due to their unwieldy shape, crystal decanters are hard to situate securely in a dishwasher, and rocks glasses are tough but fragile.—
BestReviews,
Chicago Tribune,
21 Feb. 2025
-
Seedlings have visibly outgrown their containers and have become leggy, top-heavy, or unwieldy.—
Lauren Landers,
Better Homes & Gardens,
19 Feb. 2025
Adjective
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As Andy Kaufman, Nicholas Braun has just the right gawky awkwardness, and his brief, odd, mostly silent appearances in the first half of the film delightfully pay off near the climax.—
Bilge Ebiri,
Vulture,
27 Sep. 2024
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All the money her father had left them was put toward his daughters’ private education, but she was ostracized by wealthy classmates who bullied her for being too poor, too gawky and too dark-skinned.—
Kyle Buchanan,
New York Times,
2 Jan. 2025
Adjective
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But now many have become reliant on the practice, especially in rural areas where getting to a medical facility can take longer and be more cumbersome for seniors.—
David Faris,
Newsweek,
27 Feb. 2025
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These methods work for a coin or two, but would be cumbersome for large deals.—
Dave Birnbaum,
Forbes,
27 Feb. 2025
Adjective
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His unsteady grip on reality means his decisions are guided by insecurity and ego, not the nation’s interests.—
Chicago Tribune,
Chicago Tribune,
5 Mar. 2025
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Even with that, the rest of the house poses an ongoing danger with anyone unsteady on one’s feet.—
Carolyn Rosenblatt,
Forbes,
27 Feb. 2025
Adjective
-
Senior-level decision-making had become uncoordinated and siloed.—
Jude Blanchette,
Foreign Affairs,
22 June 2021
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Beecher just cannot finish - nor Zacha, nor Wahlstrom ..... 63 played like the tired uncoordinated Marchy of the first 20 games, not the Aderall Marchy of his 6 game scoring streak.—
Fluto Shinzawa,
The Athletic,
9 Jan. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Ungainly.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/ungainly. Accessed 12 Mar. 2025.
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