What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
lumbering
Example
The elephant was lumbering through the jungle. [lumbering: verb]
Example
He was lumbering around the room, knocking over chairs and tables. [lumbering: present participle]
ungainly
Example
The giraffe looked ungainly as it tried to drink water from the pond. [ungainly: adjective]
Example
She tripped and fell in an ungainly heap on the floor. [ungainly: adverb]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Ungainly is less common than lumbering in everyday language. Lumbering is more versatile and covers a wider range of contexts, while ungainly is more specific and often used in literary or formal contexts.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between lumbering and ungainly?
Both lumbering and ungainly are considered formal words and may not be commonly used in everyday conversation. However, lumbering is more versatile and can be used in both formal and informal contexts, while ungainly is more commonly used in formal writing or literature.
