UNWIELDY Synonyms: 27 Similar and Opposite Words

unwieldy

adjective

ˌən-ˈwēl-dē

Definition of unwieldy

as in clumsy

difficult to use or operate especially because of size, weight, or design an unwieldy machine that requires two people to operate it

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Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Recent Examples of unwieldy Anything heavy or hard-cased is too unwieldy and adds unnecessary bulk. — Katie Monk, Travel + Leisure, 24 Oct. 2026 The exec was brought in to rein in filmmaker spending and streamline Netflix’s notoriously unwieldy film operation. — Mia Galuppo, HollywoodReporter, 16 Oct. 2026 The low-profile design is not nearly as unwieldy as a traditional ruck, so women on-the-go can build muscle while running errands. — Eliza Thompson, Time, 15 Oct. 2026 The eight episodes dropping on Prime Video October 7 comprise an unwieldy story that sprawls widely around Carrie but also seems afraid of her — and not in the way King’s novel intended. — Roxana Hadadi, Vulture, 6 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for unwieldy

Recent Examples of Synonyms for unwieldy

Adjective

As Ivan and Nina wrestle with their own emotional truths, which range from her mother Nora’s departure from their lives to Ivan’s clumsy recitations of Nina’s childhood antics, something alarming is afoot.

— Bethanne Patrick, Los Angeles Times, 28 Oct. 2026
Here, his clumsy, winky, affected, and self-undercutting direction can’t even work the charming Jenna Ortega to a great performance, as her Klara is flattened into a bundle of manic pixie mannerisms both physical and verbal.

— Ryan Lattanzio, IndieWire, 20 Oct. 2026

Definition of clumsy

Adjective

Trump’s local appearances might present an awkward situation for some candidates who have sought to distance themselves from the president.

— Ryan Gillespie, The Orlando Sentinel, 30 Oct. 2026
In Sam’s case, his roaring egotism is somewhat awkward because he’s also obsessed with the idea of being altruistic.

— Joy Press, Vanity Fair, 28 Oct. 2026

Definition of awkward

Adjective

Further compounding the urgency, patching UEFI code vulnerabilities in millions of end devices sold and used by thousands of hardware makers and cloud providers is cumbersome and time-consuming.

— Dan Goodin, ArsTechnica, 27 Oct. 2026
Enter the fast-growing world of electric vertical take-off and landing aircraft, known by the somewhat cumbersome acronym of eVTOLs.

— Chris Isidore, CNN Money, 25 Oct. 2026

Definition of cumbersome

Adjective

And Farley was wild, crashing through tables, cramming himself into ungainly costumes, and going full red-faced dynamo mode all in pursuit of every last laugh in the building.

— Dennis Perkins, Entertainment Weekly, 26 Sep. 2026
Snow geese are large, ungainly animals, while this puppet one is sleek and white.

— Christopher Arnott, Hartford Courant, 18 Sep. 2026

Definition of ungainly

Adjective

Think medieval meets modern--less clunky Louis XVIth and more comfy armchair, with Kingsdown mattresses that are simply divine.

— Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 31 Oct. 2026
Shirley and Derek both call out some clunky lift transitions (those lifts really leave a lot to be desired), but everyone agrees that Jackson’s commitment shines.

— Maggie Fremont, Vulture, 28 Oct. 2026

Definition of clunky

Browse Nearby Words

unwholesome

unwieldy

unwilled

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“Unwieldy.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/unwieldy. Accessed 4 Nov. 2026.

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Synonyms of unwieldy

adjective

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