What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
cumbersome
Example
The old piano was too cumbersome to move by myself. [cumbersome: adjective]
Example
The new software update made the system more cumbersome to use. [cumbersome: adjective]
unwieldy
Example
The large backpack was unwieldy to carry on the narrow trail. [unwieldy: adjective]
Example
The new power tool was too unwieldy for the small project. [unwieldy: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Cumbersome is more commonly used than unwieldy in everyday language, but both words are less common than other synonyms like 'difficult' or 'challenging'.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between cumbersome and unwieldy?
Cumbersome is more formal than unwieldy, which is more casual and informal. Both words can be used in various formality levels, but cumbersome is more versatile in this regard.
