Definition of clunkynext
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

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 clunky The design is meant to match the shape of a foot without feeling clunky or cumbersome. Tanya Sharma, PEOPLE, 19 July 2026 The Dynasty contains some vestiges of its label showcase origins, including two clunky Memphis Bleek tracks with no Jay-Z verses. Al Shipley, SPIN, 14 July 2026 But those early devices were clunky and expensive, good for large mammals such as moose and caribou, but not fit for commercial use on pets. Tereza Pultarova, Space.com, 11 July 2026 The handles are clunky and don’t blend well with the rest of the appliance. Bestreviews, Mercury News, 8 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for clunky
Recent Examples of Synonyms for clunky
Adjective
  • The mistake leaders make is concluding that the person who looks uncertain or clumsy must have been the wrong choice.
    Monica Cutia, Forbes.com, 6 Aug. 2026
  • The second trickier and clumsier aside happens when Banderas’ chef tells Tony the tragedy of 17th century French cook François Vatel, who literally fell on his sword before serving a banquet to Louis XIV.
    Amy Nicholson, Los Angeles Times, 6 Aug. 2026
Adjective
  • The vibes are awkward all around, and things only get weirder when Emira pulls Georgia aside to chat.
    Tom Smyth, Vulture, 6 Aug. 2026
  • And like any awkward teenager, his style was portrayed as a bit chaotic and confusing throughout the film—as per Karmin’s plan.
    Dylan Muñoz, Vogue, 6 Aug. 2026
Adjective
  • Now that everything is digital, photographs might seem antiquated or cumbersome to store.
    Louise Parks, Martha Stewart, 8 Aug. 2026
  • The resulting value in providing a measured approach to patching prioritization without the need to reboot hardware or adhere to cumbersome and lengthy software maintenance windows is compelling.
    Will Townsend, Forbes.com, 7 Aug. 2026
Adjective
  • In contrast, ChatTJB’s responses are unwieldy and unpredictable.
    Maggie Harrison Dupré, Futurism, 6 Aug. 2026
  • Conductor Nathalie Stutzmann made a convincing case for an unwieldy composition whose autographed score was given by Wagner's daughter-in-law, Winifried, to Hitler and lost in the destruction that ended World War II.
    ABC News, ABC News, 4 Aug. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Clunky.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/clunky. Accessed 12 Aug. 2026.

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