What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
lumberous
Example
The elephant moved in a lumberous fashion through the jungle. [lumberous: adjective]
Example
The old sofa was so lumberous that it took four people to move it. [lumberous: adjective]
ungainly
Example
The giraffe's long legs made it look ungainly as it walked across the savannah. [ungainly: adjective]
Example
She tried to dance, but her ungainly movements made her feel self-conscious. [ungainly: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Ungainly is more commonly used than lumberous in everyday language. Ungainly is a more versatile word that can be used in a variety of contexts, while lumberous is less common and more formal.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between lumberous and ungainly?
Lumberous is more formal than ungainly, which is more casual and conversational. Both words can be used in formal writing, but lumberous is more likely to be used in technical or academic contexts.