different between unwieldy vs clunky

English

Alternative forms

• unwieldly (less common, possibly nonstandard)

Etymology

From Middle English unweldi, equivalent to un- +? wieldy. Cognate with Middle Low German unweldich (“unwieldy”).

Pronunciation

• (UK) IPA^(key): /??n?w??l.di/

Adjective

unwieldy (comparative unwieldier, superlative unwieldiest)

1. (obsolete) Lacking strength; weak.
2. (obsolete) Ungraceful in movement.
3. Difficult to carry, handle, manage or operate because of its size, weight, shape or complexity.
4. Badly managed or operated.

   (Can we add an example for this sense?)

Derived terms

• unwieldiness

Translations

References

• Douglas Harper (2001–2021) , “unwieldy”, in Online Etymology Dictionary

English

Pronunciation

• Rhymes: -??ki

Adjective

clunky (comparative clunkier, superlative clunkiest)

1. (informal) Ungainly; awkward; inelegant; cumbersome.
   • 2013 May 23, Sarah Lyall, "British Leader’s Liberal Turn Sets Off a Rebellion in His Party," New York Times (retrieved 29 May 2013):

     At a time when Mr. Cameron is being squeezed from both sides — from the right by members of his own party and by the anti-immigrant, anti-Europe U.K. Independence Party, and from the left by his Liberal Democrat coalition partners — the move seemed uncharacteristically clunky.

2. Being or making a clunk sound.
   • 2012, Mike Brent, Fiona Dent, The Leader's Guide to Influence

     You might find yourself listening to the sound your car door makes when it shuts. Is it a cheap tinny sound or a strong clunky sound like the VW?

Derived terms

• clunkiness

Translations