Definition

1. Noun:
   • The quality of being difficult to handle, manage, or operate because of large size, heavy weight, or awkward shape: This refers to the physical property of an object that makes it cumbersome.
   • The quality of being difficult to control, direct, or manage because of complexity, inefficiency, or lack of flexibility: This refers to an abstract property of systems, processes, or organizations that makes them inefficient and slow.

Usage Examples

• Noun (Physical Object):

  • The unwieldiness of the antique wardrobe made it hard to move through the narrow doorway.
  • Engineers tried to reduce the unwieldiness of the early mobile phones.

• Noun (Abstract System):

  • The unwieldiness of the approval process causes significant delays for new projects.
  • Managers discussed strategies to cut through the unwieldiness of the corporate hierarchy.

Advanced Usage

• "the unwieldiness of": A common phrase used to introduce the specific thing that is cumbersome or inefficient.
  • The report criticized the unwieldiness of the current tax code.

Variants and Related Words

• Unwieldy (adj): Difficult to handle, manage, or use because of size, weight, shape, or complexity.
  • The package was too unwieldy for one person to carry.
  • The company's unwieldy structure hindered innovation.

Synonyms

• Cumbersomeness: The state of being large, heavy, or awkward to handle or use.
• Bulkiness: The quality of taking up much space, typically in an inconvenient way.
• Awkwardness: The quality of being difficult to use or handle; lacking grace or ease.
• Clumsiness: The quality of being awkward in movement or in handling things.
• Inefficiency: The state of not achieving maximum productivity; wasting resources (for the abstract sense).

Noun

1. trouble in carrying or managing caused by bulk or shape
   • the movers cursed the unwieldiness of the big piano
2. the quality of being difficult to direct or control by reason of complexity
   • avoiding the unwieldiness of formal legal processes
   • the onset of unwieldiness and bureaucracy in large organizations