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 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 Montmartre, actually, is a good example of what happens when the number of tourists becomes too unwieldy to manage—shops and services here have pivoted away from supporting locals, becoming souvenir stores and tourist-only businesses. — Alex Ledsom, Forbes.com, 7 July 2026 In 2018, New York City officials rolled out a voucher program with an unwieldy name, CityFHEPS, and the laudable goal of decreasing homelessness by subsidizing housing. — Idrees Kahloon, The Atlantic, 6 July 2026 So imagine my delight at finding a way to ease these challenges while also improving my notoriously bad posture — something that didn’t involve complicated tech (like wires and sensors) or unwieldy physical objects. — Stacia Datskovska, Footwear News, 25 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for unwieldy
Recent Examples of Synonyms for unwieldy
  1. clumsy
  2. awkward
  3. cumbersome
  4. ungainly
  5. clunky
Adjective
  • The other, in quite clumsy English, requested a very careful renovation of Ingmar Bergman’s house on the island of Fårö, in Sweden.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 22 July 2026
  • He was saved by the presence nearby of Lisandro Martinez, but the challenge was so unorthodox, clumsy and deliberate that many referees would have cautioned the defender.
    — Jack Lang, New York Times, 19 July 2026
Definition of clumsy
Adjective
  • Prior to Trump’s remarks, there were some awkward moments onstage as annual awards were given out, including to some journalists behind investigations of the president.
    — Ted Johnson, Deadline, 24 July 2026
  • Talk about finances before combining households Money is one of the most common flashpoints for couples sharing a home, which is why experts urge partners to have the awkward conversations first.
    — Ashley Lynch July 23, Charlotte Observer, 23 July 2026
Definition of awkward
Adjective
  • Because Imax cameras are loud, cumbersome and expensive, most movies that use Imax only utilize the company’s high-tech devices for certain action sequences.
    — Rebecca Rubin, Variety, 20 July 2026
  • The design is meant to match the shape of a foot without feeling clunky or cumbersome.
    — Tanya Sharma, PEOPLE, 19 July 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
  • 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
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 26 Jul. 2026.

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Nglish: Translation of unwieldy for Spanish Speakers

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