How to Memorize

ungainly - awkward

Analysis

If somebody or something is described as being ‘ungainly’ then they are thought to lack dexterity and are neither smooth nor attractive in movement or appearance. Typically, such people or things are large, clumsy, and unwieldy, so to call somebody ‘ungainly’ is considered an insult.

Example(s)

1. Fiona is a rather large and ungainly girl, so she always struggled when it came to playing sports.

2. The building was crudely designed and hurriedly constructed, resulting in an ungainly monstrosity that stands out like a sore thumb.

3. I found it very hard to manoeuvre the large implement. Its size and shape made it awkward and ungainly.