What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
clumsy
Example
He is so clumsy that he often trips over his own feet. [clumsy: adjective]
Example
She dropped the vase and broke it because of her clumsy hands. [clumsy: noun]
ungainly
Example
The elephant moved in an ungainly manner, stumbling with each step. [ungainly: adverb]
Example
The dancer's ungainly performance lacked the fluidity and grace of a professional. [ungainly: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Clumsy is more commonly used than ungainly in everyday language. Clumsy is a more familiar term and is often used to describe someone who lacks coordination or finesse. Ungainly is less common but can still be used to convey a similar meaning.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between clumsy and ungainly?
Both clumsy and ungainly are relatively formal words and can be used in both casual and formal contexts. However, clumsy is more commonly used in everyday language and is considered more versatile in terms of formality.
