What does ungracefully mean?
Ungracefully is an adverb meaning in a way that lacks grace, poise, elegance, or controlled movement. It is commonly used for physical actions, as in a person who stumbles, falls, or dances without coordination, but it can also describe awkward or inelegant speech and social behavior. The word is more precise than simply saying badly because it specifically identifies a lack of grace, composure, or refined presentation. It is understood in both British and American English and generally carries a mildly critical or humorous connotation, although its severity depends on context. Ungracefully is related to the adjective ungraceful, with the adverb formed by adding the suffix -ly. It is also linked etymologically to words such as grace, gracious, and grateful through the Latin root associated with favor, approval, and thankfulness.
adverbIn a manner that lacks grace, elegance, poise, or controlled movement.
- In a manner that is awkward, clumsy, or lacking grace or elegance.
"The dancer moved ungracefully after losing her balance."
"The dancer moved ungracefully after losing her balance."
"He apologized ungracefully, making the excuse sound overly defensive."
When poise disappears, “ungracefully” gives the moment a precise label.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of ungracefully
Ungracefully was formed by adding the suffix -ly to ungraceful, which combines the prefix un- with graceful. Grace ultimately comes from Latin gratia, meaning favor, graciousness, or thanks, and is related to gratus, meaning pleasing or thankful. English cognates include grateful and gracious, which preserve the same Latin root and its associations with favor and approval.
Related word forms
How ungracefully is actually used
Neutral in register but generally evaluative, describing a movement, performance, or manner of speaking or behaving as clumsy, awkward, or inelegant.
Easily confused with ungracefully
Ungraceful is an adjective describing something or someone lacking grace, whereas ungracefully is an adverb describing how an action is performed.