unwieldy

adjective

un·​wieldy ˌən-ˈwēl-dē 

: not easily managed, handled, or used (as because of bulk, weight, complexity, or awkwardness) : cumbersome

trying to carry a large, unwieldy box

unwieldily

ˌən-ˈwēl-də-lē 

adverb

unwieldiness

ˌən-ˈwēl-dē-nəs 

noun

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The Difference Between Wieldy and Unwieldy

The verb to wield means "to handle or exert something effectively." A carpenter might wield a hammer with impressive dexterity, for example, or a talented orator might wield influence over an audience of listeners. Something that is "wieldy" is capable of being wielded easily, and while that adjective may not be particularly common, its antonym "unwieldy" finds ample use to describe anything that is awkward to handle, move, or manage. "Wield" and its relatives all derive via Middle English from Old English wieldan, meaning "to control."

Synonyms of unwieldy

• clumsy
• awkward
• cumbersome
• ungainly
• clunky

Examples of unwieldy in a Sentence

The system is outdated and unwieldy.

an unwieldy machine that requires two people to operate it

Recent Examples on the Web

The high court did not opine on the process of refunds, and government officials at first suggested the process could prove unwieldy. —Alina Selyukh, NPR, 19 Apr. 2026

The empire was territorially vast but unwieldy and politically fragile by the end of his reign. —Encyclopedia Britannica, 14 Apr. 2026

Dealing with large, unwieldy bed sheets can be a challenge, whether folding them or washing them. —Karen Brewer Grossman, Southern Living, 13 Apr. 2026

The series can be unwieldy in scope, slow to unveil its endgame and uneven in its character development. —Alison Herman, Variety, 12 Apr. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1530, in the meaning defined above

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Kids Definition

unwieldy

adjective

un·​wieldy ˌən-ˈwē(ə)l-dē 

ˈən-

: not easily handled or managed because of size or weight : awkward, cumbersome

an unwieldy tool