inelegant

adjective

in·​el·​e·​gant (ˌ)i-ˈne-li-gənt How to pronounce inelegant (audio)
: lacking in refinement, grace, or good taste
inelegantly adverb

Examples of inelegant in a Sentence

inelegant teens still learning how to act at formal events inelegant furniture that looked like it belonged in a budget motel
Recent Examples on the Web That process is genial and inelegant in equal measure. David Ehrlich, IndieWire, 17 Oct. 2024 The best Korean moisturizers and sunscreens introduced an American audience to the possibilities beyond staid formulations and inelegant sun protection, offering brand-new active ingredients, playful packaging, and innovative technology. Deanna Pai, Vogue, 28 Sep. 2024 In practice, these features are a bit wonky and inelegant. Victoria Song, The Verge, 21 Sep. 2024 Until recently, most observers were willing to settle for an accurate but inelegant description: that the countries are neither friends nor foes. Minxin Pei, Foreign Affairs, 12 Feb. 2014 See all Example Sentences for inelegant 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'inelegant.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

Middle French, from Latin inelegant-, inelegans, from in- + elegant-, elegans elegant

First Known Use

circa 1570, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of inelegant was circa 1570

Dictionary Entries Near inelegant

Cite this Entry

“Inelegant.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/inelegant. Accessed 31 Oct. 2024.

Kids Definition

inelegant

adjective
in·​el·​e·​gant (ˈ)in-ˈel-i-gənt How to pronounce inelegant (audio)
: lacking in grace or good taste
inelegantly adverb

More from Merriam-Webster on inelegant

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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