Characters remaining: 500/500
Translation

Also found in: English - Vietnamese

ungainly

/ʌn'geinli/
Academic
Friendly
Explanation of the Word "Ungainly"

Definition: The word "ungainly" is an adjective used to describe something or someone that is awkward, clumsy, or difficult to handle because of their shape or movement. It often refers to things that are not graceful or that do not move smoothly.

Word Variants:
  • Ungainliness (noun): The quality of being ungainly.
    • Example: "The ungainliness of the large package made it hard to fit into the car."
Different Meanings:

Although "ungainly" primarily refers to awkwardness in movement or appearance, it can also be used metaphorically to describe situations or processes that are cumbersome or not well-organized.

Synonyms:

Some synonyms for "ungainly" include: - Awkward - Clumsy - Ungraceful - Cumbersome - Gawky

Related Idioms and Phrasal Verbs:

While there aren't direct idioms or phrasal verbs specifically tied to "ungainly," you might encounter expressions that convey similar ideas: - "Like a bull in a china shop": This idiom describes someone who is very clumsy or awkward in a delicate situation, similar to how something ungainly might behave. - "Trip over one's own feet": This phrase describes someone who is so clumsy that they frequently stumble or fall, much like something ungainly.

Summary:

"Ungainly" is a useful word to describe anything that lacks grace or is awkward in appearance or movement. It can be applied to physical objects, animals, or even processes that feel cumbersome.

Adjective
  1. difficult to handle or manage especially because of shape
    • an awkward bundle to carry
    • a load of bunglesome paraphernalia
    • clumsy wooden shoes
    • the cello, a rather ungainly instrument for a girl
  2. lacking grace in movement or posture
    • a gawky lad with long ungainly legs
    • clumsy fingers
    • what an ungainly creature a giraffe is
    • heaved his unwieldy figure out of his chair

Comments and discussion on the word "ungainly"