Definition

Difficult to manage or use; not easy to handle due to clumsiness or lack of skill.

Example

The unhandy tool made the job much harder than it needed to be.

Conversation

I bought this new tool, but it's so unhandy to use.

Really? What makes it difficult?

It's just awkward to hold, and I can't get a good grip on it.

That sounds frustrating! Maybe you should look for something more ergonomic.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Unhandy → It is formed from "un-" (meaning not) and "handy" (from Old English "handig", meaning skillful or convenient). The word "unhandy" means not skillful or convenient, often referring to something that is awkward or difficult to handle.

Memory Tip

Think of 'not' ('un-') being added to 'skillful' ('handy') — so unhandy describes something that is not easy to manage.

Visually Confused Words