Definition

The quality of being awkward or clumsy in movement or appearance.

Example

Despite his ungainliness, he managed to dance with surprising grace.

Conversation

I was watching that dance competition last night, and some contestants had such an ungainliness about them.

I know what you mean; it was hard to watch them struggle with the moves.

Exactly! It made me appreciate the more graceful dancers even more.

Totally! They really showed how important practice is to overcome ungainliness.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Ungainliness → It is formed from "un-" (meaning not) and "gainly" (from Middle English *gainly*, meaning graceful or attractive) and the suffix "-ness" (meaning the state of being). The word describes the state of being not graceful or awkward.

Memory Tip

Think of 'not' ('un-') being combined with 'graceful' ('gainly') to remember that 'ungainliness' refers to a lack of grace.

Visually Confused Words