UNGAINLY Synonyms: 52 Similar and Opposite Words

ungainly

adjective

ˌən-ˈgān-lē

Definition of ungainly

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

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

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Recent Examples of ungainly In its back-to-back knottiness, the album takes on an ungainly quality that, deliberate or not, sets up roadblocks to prolonged enjoyment. — Maxie Younger, Pitchfork, 27 Mar. 2026 The situation has grown so ungainly and untenable that, if Silicon Valley is merely forced to slow down, the viability of all this spending will likely be called into question in ways that could be devastating for many. — Matteo Wong, The Atlantic, 26 Mar. 2026 But the documentary is an ungainly blend of ultra-earnest hagiography and trashy true-crime sensationalism, without being completely satisfying as either. — Daniel Fienberg, HollywoodReporter, 13 Mar. 2026 And yet, within quarter of a century, this ungainly apparatus had established itself as a vital pillar of global governance. — Time, 26 Feb. 2026 See All Example Sentences for ungainly

Recent Examples of Synonyms for ungainly

Adjective

Yirenki’s challenge on Christos Tzolis is clumsy, but well short of a first yellow card, let alone a second.

— Graham Scott, New York Times, 25 Aug. 2026
Vocals are surprisingly good, despite the show being a bit awkward and clumsy at times.

— Talia McWright, Twin Cities, 9 Aug. 2026

Definition of clumsy

Adjective

The Moon in Pisces moves through your 6th House of Work, Health, and Daily Routines while making an awkward angle to Venus in Libra and your 1st House of Self.

— Tarot.com, The Orlando Sentinel, 29 Aug. 2026
Most of us have felt awkward during those first tentative steps back into dating.

— Ben Rosenstock, Vulture, 28 Aug. 2026

Definition of awkward

Adjective

Having one starting pitcher repeat an unwieldy path from a season ago is one thing.

— Doug Padilla, Oc Register, 24 Aug. 2026
The shares are down more than 55% this year, and the global auto giant faces mounting pressure for radical action to counter Chinese competition, repair the damage from costly electric-vehicle missteps and prune an unwieldy stable of brands.

— Neil Winton, Forbes.com, 21 Aug. 2026

Definition of unwieldy

Adjective

Another important implication is that once a country is removed from the State Department list, getting it back on is bureaucratically cumbersome.

— Jason M. Blazakis, The Conversation, 27 Aug. 2026
Fall decor that is too cluttered, sharp, or cumbersome is often to blame.

— Stephanie Osmanski, Better Homes & Gardens, 27 Aug. 2026

Definition of cumbersome

Adjective

But the firm also highlights a 'bull case' where the Strait of Hormuz remains unsteady past the November 3rd elections in America and Brent pops back into the $110 range.

— Brian Sullivan, CNBC, 27 Aug. 2026
Stiff-person syndrome’s most common symptoms include muscle stiffness and painful spasms that can lead to secondary effects, like unsteady gait, double vision, and slurred speech, according to Johns Hopkins Medicine.

— Ryan Coleman, Entertainment Weekly, 19 Aug. 2026

Definition of unsteady

Browse Nearby Words

ungainliness

ungainly

ungallant

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“Ungainly.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/ungainly. Accessed 2 Sep. 2026.

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Synonyms of ungainly

adjective

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