unwieldy
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
- Lua error in Module:parameters at line 331: Parameter 1 should be a valid language or etymology language code; the value "UK" is not valid. See WT:LOL and WT:LOL/E. IPA(key): /ˌʌnˈwɪəl.di/
Audio (US): (file)
Adjective
unwieldy (comparative unwieldier, superlative unwieldiest)
- (obsolete) Lacking strength; weak.
- (obsolete) Ungraceful in movement.
- Difficult to carry, handle, manage or operate because of its size, weight, shape or complexity.
- Badly managed or operated.
- (Can we add an example for this sense?)
Derived terms
Translations
difficult to carry, handle, manage or operate
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References
- Douglas Harper (2001–2024) “unwieldy”, in Online Etymology Dictionary.
Categories:
- English terms inherited from Middle English
- English terms derived from Middle English
- English terms prefixed with un-
- English 3-syllable words
- English terms with IPA pronunciation
- English terms with audio links
- English lemmas
- English adjectives
- English terms with obsolete senses
- English terms with quotations