What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
bulky
Example
The package was too bulky to fit in my backpack. [bulky: adjective]
Example
She struggled to lift the bulky furniture by herself. [bulky: adjective]
unwieldy
Example
The unwieldy suitcase made it challenging to navigate through the crowded airport. [unwieldy: adjective]
Example
He found the unwieldy tool hard to use for the delicate task. [unwieldy: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Bulky is more commonly used than unwieldy in everyday language. Bulky is a versatile word that can be used in various contexts to describe large objects, while unwieldy is more specific and tends to be used in more specialized situations.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between bulky and unwieldy?
Both bulky and unwieldy can be used in both formal and informal contexts. However, bulky is more neutral and can be used in a wider range of formality levels, while unwieldy may be perceived as slightly more formal due to its less common usage.