unwieldy

adjective

ˌən-ˈwēl-dē How to pronounce unwieldy (audio)
Definition of unwieldynext
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

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 unwieldy The lucrative incentives have allowed for the conversion of unwieldy buildings in unlikely districts. — Andrew Rice, Curbed, 23 July 2026 The sprawling business model that competitors once envied had become a liability—unwieldy, capital-intensive, and increasingly unable to compete in focused, fast-moving markets. — Shawn Tully, Fortune, 23 July 2026 In video of the occupation, Tubbs and his trusty dog Pujo can be seen sitting atop a towering twenty-foot platform, precariously balanced on two long poles anchored by an unwieldy pair of cables. — Literary Hub, 10 July 2026 But the unwieldy timeline of the training facility’s completion has begun to erode trust from the latest iteration of the Sky roster. — Julia Poe, Chicago Tribune, 8 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for unwieldy
Recent Examples of Synonyms for unwieldy
  1. clumsy
  2. awkward
  3. cumbersome
  4. ungainly
  5. clunky
Adjective
  • Vocals are surprisingly good, despite the show being a bit awkward and clumsy at times.
    — Talia McWright, Twin Cities, 9 Aug. 2026
  • Sneak away into the beyond—maybe this was a clumsy translation.
    — Emma Cline, New Yorker, 9 Aug. 2026
Definition of clumsy
Adjective
  • In addition, an awkward meeting between Ed and a smooth literary agent (Jake Lacy), along with a mini-subplot involving phone calls from Ed’s frustrated sister about their dying brother, come off slightly wedged in.
    — Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 14 Aug. 2026
  • The awkward part of all this, though, is that Anthropic isn’t making money yet.
    — Amanda Gerut, Fortune, 14 Aug. 2026
Definition of awkward
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
Definition of cumbersome
Adjective
  • Using original photographs, and input from the Pourtout archives, the restoration team reversed the ungainly Saoutchik body modifications, and the curved windshield and twin rear-window design returned.
    — Howard Walker, Robb Report, 3 July 2026
  • Instead of an ungainly pile of pillows, modern buyers prefer to let the materials sing.
    — Abby Wolner, Better Homes & Gardens, 17 June 2026
Definition of ungainly
Adjective
  • But the apps required a clunky online authentication process and most importantly contained only the content from that one media company.
    — Howard Homonoff, Forbes.com, 7 Aug. 2026
  • Your local thrift will likely not take these clunky relics of the past.
    — Alexandra Kelly, Martha Stewart, 2 Aug. 2026
Definition of clunky

Browse Nearby Words

unwholesome
unwieldy
unwilled
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Cite this Entry

“Unwieldy.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/unwieldy. Accessed 17 Aug. 2026.

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