Want to say ungainly differently? Here are other words for ungainly and its similar synonyms and opposite words to say in unique way.
Meaning of ungainly
The primary meaning of the word "ungainly" refers to something or someone that is awkward or uncoordinated in movement or appearance.
Etymology of ungainly
The word "ungainly" has its roots in Old English and Middle English, with "ungainly" emerging as a combination of "un-" (meaning not) and "gainly" or "gainlie" (meaning handsome, fair, or attractive), which is derived from Old Norse "gagn" (gain, profit) and Old English "gelīc" (like, similar).
Historically, the term has been used to describe people, movements, or objects that lack elegance, refinement, or coordination.
Synonyms
awkward
clumsy
inelegant
uncoordinated
gangly
lumbering
stumbling
unsteady
unstable
precarious
hazardous
perilous
risky
unsafe
unsure
unbalanced
uneven
lopsided
asymmetrical
irregular
unrefined
crude
rough
coarse
harsh
violent
forceful
vigorous
brutish
savage
barbarous
primitive
uncouth
rude
crude
awkwardly
clumsily
inelegantly
unskillfully
inexpertly
amateurishly
unprofessionally
roughly
coarsely
harshly
violently
forcefully
vigorously
brutishly
savagely
barbarously
primitively
uncouthly
rudely
Definitions
- Oxford Languages defines "ungainly" as awkward or uncoordinated in movement or appearance, or not elegant or refined.
- * It can also describe something that is clumsy or inelegant, often in a way that is noticeable or embarrassing.
Usage Examples
- The athlete's ungainly movements on the field made it difficult for her to score.
- * The ungainly structure of the building made it an eyesore in the neighborhood.
- * He felt ungainly in his new suit, which was a bit too large for him.