inelegant

adjective

(ˌ)i-ˈne-li-gənt How to pronounce inelegant (audio)
Definition of inelegantnext
1
as in uncomfortable
lacking social grace and assurance inelegant teens still learning how to act at formal events

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in inappropriate
marked by an obvious lack of style or good taste inelegant furniture that looked like it belonged in a budget motel

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of inelegant That process is genial and inelegant in equal measure. — David Ehrlich, IndieWire, 17 Oct. 2024 The best Korean moisturizers and sunscreens introduced an American audience to the possibilities beyond staid formulations and inelegant sun protection, offering brand-new active ingredients, playful packaging, and innovative technology. — Deanna Pai, Vogue, 28 Sep. 2024 In practice, these features are a bit wonky and inelegant. — Victoria Song, The Verge, 21 Sep. 2024 Until recently, most observers were willing to settle for an accurate but inelegant description: that the countries are neither friends nor foes. — Minxin Pei, Foreign Affairs, 12 Feb. 2014 See All Example Sentences for inelegant
Recent Examples of Synonyms for inelegant
  1. uncomfortable
  2. inappropriate
  3. clumsy
  4. incorrect
  5. awkward
  6. unsuitable
  7. uneasy
  8. unfashionable
Adjective
  • This, again, signals that this is an unusual and uncomfortable situation.
    — Tim Maurer, Forbes, 23 Mar. 2025
  • Since Mercury is the planetary ruler of Virgo, Kaye responds to these behaviors when defensive or uncomfortable.
    — Lisa Stardust, People.com, 21 Mar. 2025
Definition of uncomfortable
Adjective
  • Cornelius said that the superintendent later informed her of other prior incidents including her son — who has autism and is nonverbal — getting a shower without her permission, getting called vulgar names by staff and teachers, and receiving other inappropriate comments.
    — Lillie Davidson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 21 Mar. 2025
  • The app has a private messaging feature that can lead to inappropriate conversations with predators.
    — Hannah Nwoko, Parents, 21 Mar. 2025
Definition of inappropriate
Adjective
  • Kisses her mouth, but the gesture is awkward, clumsy; their teeth strike together, and Brianna winces.
    — Joyce Carol Oates, The New Yorker, 16 Mar. 2025
  • As well as making a star of Alicia Silverstone, the original movie showcased the talents of Paul Rudd who played her stepbrother Josh (and went onto become Phoebe’s partner in Friends and take on the role of Ant Man) and the late Brittany Murphy, who played Cher’s clumsy friend Tai.
    — Lee Sharrock, Forbes, 15 Mar. 2025
Definition of clumsy
Adjective
  • And then there is Derek McDaniel, whose incorrect assembling of his nomination packet for 2023 city council race resulted in a circuit court judge bouncing him from the ballot, and whose campaign yard sign size and placement have been questioned in this race.
    — Naperville Sun, Chicago Tribune, 21 Mar. 2025
  • Do not sign an immigration form that includes incorrect information or blanks.
    — Karen Garcia, Los Angeles Times, 21 Mar. 2025
Definition of incorrect
Adjective
  • Historically an awkward public speaker, Johnson nevertheless saw the invitation as an opportunity to promote his plan for a voting rights bill.
    — Michael Peregrine, Chicago Tribune, 14 Mar. 2025
  • Things only get less interesting as that love triangles widens into an awkward kind of square, the chiaroscuro splendor of Soderbergh’s cinematography laboring to compensate for a murder-mystery that’s as scattered and impenetrable as Berlin itself.
    — David Ehrlich, IndieWire, 14 Mar. 2025
Definition of awkward
Adjective
  • However, the land presented a challenge: its marshy terrain was unsuitable for planting.
    — Nel-Olivia Waga, Forbes, 10 Mar. 2025
  • Moscow has for months been seeking to weaponize Ukraine's democratic freeze, with Putin and his allies framing Zelenskyy as illegitimate and therefore unsuitable to take part in peace talks.
    — David Brennan, ABC News, 24 Feb. 2025
Definition of unsuitable
Adjective
  • The whole exchange left Brooke feeling a little uneasy.
    — Carly Tagen-Dye, People.com, 20 Mar. 2025
  • And of course, various consumer surveys have showed that Americans are feeling uneasy.
    — Bryan Mena, CNN, 14 Mar. 2025
Definition of uneasy
Adjective
  • King-Hammond suggested yet another factor: his focus on people, and not formalist ideas, was unfashionable in the eyes of art history’s shapers.
    — Alex Greenberger, ARTnews.com, 25 Feb. 2025
  • But here’s the thing: these seemingly unfashionable socks are more than just a snug and stretchy medical necessity.
    — Sandra Rose Salathe, Flow Space, 30 Jan. 2025
Definition of unfashionable

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Cite this Entry

“Inelegant.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/inelegant. Accessed 28 Mar. 2025.

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