What does unwieldily mean?
Unwieldily is the adverb form of unwieldy and describes an action performed in an awkward, cumbersome, or difficult-to-control manner. It is especially appropriate when something is impeded by excessive size, weight, shape, complexity, or lack of balance. For example, a large sculpture may stand unwieldily in a gallery, while a heavy gate may swing unwieldily on rusty hinges. The word can also imply that the movement involved is slow, strained, or poorly coordinated because the object being handled resists the person or force operating it. Unwieldily has a somewhat literary tone and is often more descriptive than the more familiar adverb awkwardly. Although clumsily can suggest awkwardness or poor coordination, unwieldily tends to focus on the physical or structural difficulty of the task. Together, the adjective and adverb are useful for showing that difficulty is not merely incidental but results from something being inherently difficult to manage.
adverbIn an unwieldy manner; awkwardly or with such bulk, complexity, or lack of manageability as to be difficult to handle or control.
- In a manner characterized by excessive bulk, complexity, or lack of manageability; awkwardly.
"The long, unwieldily balanced ladder was difficult to carry through the narrow passage."
"The sculpture sat unwieldily in the center of the gallery, requiring a wide berth."
"She wrestled unwieldily with the bulky suitcase as the train pulled into the station."
Unwieldily is where “too big to handle” becomes a description of motion, not merely size.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does unwieldily come from?
Unwieldily is an English adverb formed from unwieldy with the suffix -ly. Unwieldy was formed using the prefix un- and the older adjective wieldy, meaning manageable or easy to handle; wieldy in turn derives from wield, meaning to handle, control, or manage. The resulting adverb therefore expresses performance in a manner characterized by lack of manageability or ease of control.
How unwieldily is actually used
The word is formal to literary in style. It commonly describes objects, movements, or actions involving excessive bulk or complexity. Compared with clumsily, it usually emphasizes lack of manageability rather than a person's lack of dexterity.
Easily confused with unwieldily
Unwieldy is an adjective describing something difficult to handle or control, whereas unwieldily is an adverb describing how an action or movement is performed.