Definition

Not having skill or creativity; clumsy or awkward in style or execution.

Example

The unartful design of the building made it look unattractive.

Conversation

I saw that painting you did last week, and it felt a bit unartful to me.

Really? I thought it was more about expressing my feelings than technique.

I get that, but sometimes the skill really makes a difference.

True, maybe I should practice more to avoid being unartful next time.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Unartful → It is formed from "un-" (meaning not) and "artful" (from Old French *artful*, meaning skillful or clever). The word "unartful" means not skillful or lacking in artfulness.

Memory Tip

Think of 'not' ('un-') being added to 'skillful' ('artful') — that's why unartful means lacking skill or cleverness.

Visually Confused Words