as in clumsy
difficult to use or operate especially because of size, weight, or design
even my five-year-old laptop seems clunky next to some of the really slim new models
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of clunky
The plot is predictable, the characters are pretty basic, and the dialogue can be clunky.
—
ArsTechnica, 2 Apr. 2025
All of these methods of secure communication can be clunky and take more time than people in our smartphone age are used to.
—Dakota Rudesill, The Conversation, 29 Mar. 2025
The new console boasts an integrated chat feature, eliminating the clunky external phone connections of its predecessor.
—Eammonn Dignam, FOXNews.com, 14 Apr. 2025
The Sabres led 1-0 after a clunky first period thanks to a give-and-go power play goal with 19 seconds left before intermission.
—Adam Beasley, Miami Herald, 12 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for clunky
ArsTechnica, 2 Apr. 2025
All of these methods of secure communication can be clunky and take more time than people in our smartphone age are used to.
—Dakota Rudesill, The Conversation, 29 Mar. 2025
The new console boasts an integrated chat feature, eliminating the clunky external phone connections of its predecessor.
—Eammonn Dignam, FOXNews.com, 14 Apr. 2025
The Sabres led 1-0 after a clunky first period thanks to a give-and-go power play goal with 19 seconds left before intermission.
—Adam Beasley, Miami Herald, 12 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for clunky
Recent Examples of Synonyms for clunky
Adjective
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Imagine being cuddled by long-legged, clumsy poodles.—
Brian Mann,
NPR,
20 Apr. 2025
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That’s — actually kind of genius, especially if the Poet was a clumsy fella who needed that kind of precautionary measure.—
Sara Netzley,
EW.com,
15 Apr. 2025
Adjective
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Its Darcy, Matthew MacFadyen, was in his late 20s and still had an awkward, youthful reserve that turned out to be perfect for this version’s take on the handsome, distant gentleman who falls for Elizabeth.—
Bilge Ebiri,
Vulture,
18 Apr. 2025
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For introverts who might naturally lean toward a prevention focus—fearing rejection or awkward interactions—consciously developing a promotion focus can transform their job search approach.—
Caroline Castrillon,
Forbes.com,
18 Apr. 2025
Adjective
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Over the course of his pontificate, Francis contended with conservatives and with a cumbersome bureaucracy practiced in the art of resisting change.—
Randall Balmer,
Time,
21 Apr. 2025
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But deportation — a cumbersome process generally involving an arrest, detention, a removal order from a judge and finally a flight out of the U.S. — can take months or years.—
Alyson Hurt,
NPR,
7 Apr. 2025
Adjective
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The offerings vary greatly, the rugged but versatile two-door Defender 90 to the unwieldy three-row, eight-passenger Defender 130.—
James Raia,
Mercury News,
27 Apr. 2025
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During their initial run from 1975 to 1982, Pere Ubu were an untamable band, merging the loose energy of garage rock with 1960s rock, as well as funk bass, unwieldy saxophones, and Thomas’ commanding presence.—
Nina Corcoran,
Pitchfork,
24 Apr. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Clunky.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/clunky. Accessed 3 May. 2025.
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