1
as in uncomfortable
lacking social grace and assurance
inelegant teens still learning how to act at formal events
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in inappropriate
marked by an obvious lack of style or good taste
inelegant furniture that looked like it belonged in a budget motel
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of inelegant
But the controversy over Newsom’s inelegant statement goes to the heart of the Democratic divide right now.
—
Anita Chabria, Los Angeles Times, 21 Apr. 2025
Director Benedict Andrews has adapted the text with a heavy, though not inelegant, push toward contemporary British rhythms and mores, and the ensemble gets the street-clothes-with-a-nod-to-character treatment.
—Sara Holdren, Vulture, 4 Apr. 2025
The obvious fix is a little bit of duct tape, an inelegant but quick repair with a resource that most households already have on hand.
—PC Magazine, 26 Mar. 2025
For such an inelegant behavior to be in chatbots as widespread and popular as GPT is a blunt reminder of two larger, seemingly contrary phenomena.
—Jonathan L. Zittrain, The Atlantic, 17 Dec. 2024
See All Example Sentences for inelegant
Anita Chabria, Los Angeles Times, 21 Apr. 2025
Director Benedict Andrews has adapted the text with a heavy, though not inelegant, push toward contemporary British rhythms and mores, and the ensemble gets the street-clothes-with-a-nod-to-character treatment.
—Sara Holdren, Vulture, 4 Apr. 2025
The obvious fix is a little bit of duct tape, an inelegant but quick repair with a resource that most households already have on hand.
—PC Magazine, 26 Mar. 2025
For such an inelegant behavior to be in chatbots as widespread and popular as GPT is a blunt reminder of two larger, seemingly contrary phenomena.
—Jonathan L. Zittrain, The Atlantic, 17 Dec. 2024
See All Example Sentences for inelegant
Recent Examples of Synonyms for inelegant
Adjective
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And also burst into laughter – uncomfortable laughter.—
Katcy Stephan,
Variety,
29 June 2025
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Both Leonas and Miller suggest that those with sensitive skin or people who have specific allergies are likely the most impacted by new clothing’s loose dyes and chemicals, as the garments’ contact with skin may cause rashes; dry, itchy patches; and other types of uncomfortable reactions.—
Betsy Cribb Watson,
Southern Living,
28 June 2025
Adjective
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Satisfied that there may have indeed been inappropriate action on the part of the veteran Karate Kid actor, Sony addressed Kove directly.—
Dominic Patten,
Deadline,
26 June 2025
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Walking the Talk as a Role Model Too many leaders assume organizational rules don't apply to them, creating double standards and rationalizing inappropriate behavior.—
Joseph Folkman,
Forbes.com,
26 June 2025
Adjective
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At times, Alcaraz was almost as clumsy as Federer in his last hurrah here against Hubert Hurkacz in 2021.—
Tim Ellis,
Forbes.com,
30 June 2025
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But things get weighed down by a clumsy body-swapping plot and a pairing between Joe and 22 that never fully pays off.—
Barry Levitt,
Time,
26 June 2025
Adjective
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Rumors the man lost a limb are incorrect, friends of the victim with Raw Surf posted on the business' Facebook page.—
Natalie Neysa Alund,
USA Today,
8 July 2025
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An online commercial real estate site, LoopNet.com, still showed the theater property as up for auction Thursday, but Robinson said the listing is incorrect.—
Phil Diehl,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
6 July 2025
Adjective
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Barely a week goes by without some fresh young talent arriving in West London to pose for the media with a Blue jersey and an awkward grin.—
Zak Garner-Purkis,
Forbes.com,
30 June 2025
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The next mayor, like so many of his predecessors, will have to engage in awkward negotiations with politicians in Albany.—
John Cassidy,
New Yorker,
30 June 2025
Adjective
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Washing Windows Cleaning windows works best in good lighting to achieve a streak-free finish, making nighttime an unsuitable time for the task.—
Mary Cornetta,
Better Homes & Gardens,
17 June 2025
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Directed by Joseph Kahn, the clip features guest appearances from Marlon Lundgren Garcia and MrBeast, who play unsuitable prospects for the singer.—
Larisha Paul,
Rolling Stone,
16 June 2025
Adjective
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Outlook: Stability or Strain? Oil markets in 2024 were defined by an uneasy equilibrium.—
Robert Rapier,
Forbes.com,
8 July 2025
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Given that uneasy reminder, the small victory ultimately won by King and his followers is even more extraordinary and potent.—
Sophie van Bastelaer,
EW.com,
7 July 2025
Adjective
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Unlike many of their previous teams, who always fell short at major events often in the most dire circumstances, this South Africa side was unfashionable.—
Tristan Lavalette,
Forbes.com,
14 June 2025
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Wearing an unfashionable but marginally faster time-trial helmet, Van Uden held off Kooij with a long-range sprint to take a surprise win — and secure a hugely important point tally for Picnic PostNL.—
Jacob Whitehead,
New York Times,
19 May 2025
Cite this Entry
“Inelegant.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/inelegant. Accessed 11 Jul. 2025.
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