unwieldy meaning

UK US /ənˈwildi/ 3 syllables

unwieldy (adjective): difficult to use or handle or manage because of size or weight or shape.

unwieldy has 3 meanings in this dictionary.

unwieldy as an adjective

  1. difficult to use or handle or manage because of size or weight or shape
    • we set about towing the unwieldy structure into the shelter
    • almost dropped the unwieldy parcel

    Synonyms: unmanageable

    Opposite: wieldy

    Similar: awkward, cumbersome

    Related forms: unwieldiness

  2. difficult to work or manipulate
    • unwieldy rules and regulations

    Similar: impractical

    Related forms: unwieldiness

  3. lacking grace in movement or posture
    • a gawky lad with long ungainly legs
    • clumsy fingers
    • what an ungainly creature a giraffe is
    • heaved his unwieldy figure out of his chair

    Synonyms: gawky, clumsy, clunky, ungainly

    Similar: awkward

How to pronounce unwieldy

unwieldy is pronounced /ənˈwildi/ in American English. It has 3 syllables, with the stress on the second syllable.

Scrabble score: 15 (letter breakdown)

Word lists: words starting with UN · words ending in DY · 8-letter words

More about unwieldy on Wikipedia.