What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
ungainly
Example
The elephant moved in an ungainly manner, tripping over its own feet. [ungainly: adjective]
Example
The box was so ungainly that it took two people to carry it up the stairs. [ungainly: adjective]
awkward
Example
He felt awkward at the party and didn't know how to start a conversation. [awkward: adjective]
Example
It was awkward trying to fit the large couch through the narrow doorway. [awkward: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Awkward is more commonly used than ungainly in everyday language. Awkward is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while ungainly is less common and refers specifically to physical movement.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between ungainly and awkward?
Both ungainly and awkward can be used in both formal and informal contexts, but ungainly may be considered more formal due to its less common usage.
