Main Entry: un·gain·ly

Pronunciation: \-ˈgān-lē\

Function: adjective

Etymology: obsolete gain direct, from Middle English gayn, geyn, from Old English gēn, from Old Norse gegn, from gegn, preposition, against; akin to Old English gēan- against — more at again

Date: 1611

1 a : lacking in smoothness or dexterity : clumsy <ungainly movements> b : hard to handle : unwieldy <an ungainly contraption>
2 : having an awkward appearance <a large ungainly bird>

— un·gain·li·ness noun