easy
The young bird made an ungainly hop.
What does Ungainly mean?
Ungainly means awkward or clumsy.
Dictionary definition
Ungainly means moving or shaped in an awkward, clumsy, or not graceful way.
Example sentences
Ungainly in a sentence
medium
The robot's first steps were slow and ungainly.
hard
A writer might describe an ungainly chair to show that it is large, awkward, and hard to move.
Writing practice
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Quick practice
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Practice the meaning of Ungainly
Answer three quick questions about its meaning and related words.
Question 1 of 3
Practice 1
What does ungainly mean?
Ungainly describes movement, shape, or posture that is not graceful or smooth.
Practice 2
Which word is closest in meaning to ungainly?
Awkward is close in meaning because ungainly describes something not graceful.
Practice 3
Which word is a useful contrast for ungainly?
Graceful contrasts with ungainly because graceful movement is smooth and controlled.
Practice complete
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Ungainly
Voice settings
Sounds like
un · gayn · lee · strongest beat: gayn
Tap each sound part, then blend the whole word together.
Learn
WordUngainly.
Partadjective.
MeaningUngainly means awkward or clumsy.
ExampleExample: The young bird made an ungainly hop.
Word breakdown
3 syllables. Say each part, then blend the word.
- Syllables
- un · gayn · lee
- Strongest beat
- gayn
- Ending
- lee
- Tip
- Put a little extra energy on gayn.
Your turn
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Synonyms
Words like Ungainly
Antonyms
Opposite words
Synonym practice
Want to practice ungainly synonyms in context? Try a Synonym Search question like "The ungainly robot bumped into the table while turning," then compare close word choices. Practice ungainly synonyms.
Word family
Ungainly word family
Base word
ungainly
noun
ungainliness
The quality of being awkward or clumsy.
Related words
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Student support
Understand Ungainly
Hint for students
Ungainly means awkward, clumsy, or not graceful. It can describe movement, posture, shape, or design.
Common mix-up
Use ungainly carefully when describing people. It is often better for movement, objects, animals, or fictional characters than for judging someone's body.
Try it in class or at home
Write one sentence that shows ungainly without using the word ungainly. Then underline the clue words that show awkward, clumsy, or not graceful movement. Example: The puppy stumbled sideways, bumped the bowl, and slid across the floor. Clue words: stumbled sideways, bumped, slid Now try your own sentence. Ask: Does my sentence show awkward or clumsy movement?
Teacher prompt
Ask students to explain this model sentence: "The robot's first steps were slow and ungainly." Why does ungainly fit better than graceful?
Learning activities
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