Definition

1. Adjective:
   • Difficult to handle, manage, or use because of size, weight, or shape: Describes an object that is large, heavy, or awkward, making it hard to move, carry, or control.
   • Lacking grace in movement or posture: Describes a person or creature whose movements appear clumsy, awkward, or ungainly.
   • Difficult to work with or manipulate due to complexity: Describes systems, rules, or procedures that are overly complicated and inefficient.

Examples of Usage

• Describing an object:
  • He struggled to carry the unwieldy package up the stairs.
  • The old, unwieldy furniture was difficult to move through the narrow doorway.
• Describing a person or movement:
  • The knight in the heavy armor moved in an unwieldy manner.
  • She felt unwieldy trying to dance in the bulky winter coat.
• Describing systems or rules:
  • The company's unwieldy bureaucracy slowed down all decision-making.
  • They tried to simplify the unwieldy set of instructions.

Advanced Usage

• "unwieldy nature of": Used to emphasize the inherent awkwardness or impracticality of something.
  • The debate highlighted the unwieldy nature of the proposed legislation.
• "become unwieldy": Describes the process by which something grows to become difficult to manage.
  • The project's scope became unwieldy, requiring more resources than planned.

Variants and Related Words

• Unwieldiness (noun): The quality or state of being unwieldy.
  • The main drawback of the device is its sheer unwieldiness.
• Unwieldily (adverb): In an unwieldy manner. (Note: This form is less common.)
  • The machine rotated unwieldily on its axis.

Synonyms

• Cumbersome: Burdensomely heavy or awkward.
• Ungainly: Lacking grace or ease of movement; awkward.
• Clumsy: Awkward in movement or handling; not graceful.
• Unmanageable: Difficult or impossible to manage, manipulate, or control.
• Burdensome: Involving a heavy burden; oppressive.

Antonyms

• Manageable: Able to be controlled or dealt with without difficulty.
• Handy: Convenient to handle or use; useful.
• Nimble: Quick and light in movement or action; agile.
• Graceful: Having or showing grace or elegance.

Related Phrases and Idioms

• "An unwieldy beast": A metaphor for a large, complex, and difficult-to-control organization or system.
  • The new government department quickly became an unwieldy beast.
• "Unwieldy as a...": A simile comparing something to a famously awkward object.
  • The prototype was as unwieldy as a newborn giraffe.

Adjective

1. lacking grace in movement or posture
   • a gawky lad with long ungainly legs
   • clumsy fingers
   • what an ungainly creature a giraffe is
   • heaved his unwieldy figure out of his chair
2. difficult to work or manipulate
   • unwieldy rules and regulations
3. difficult to use or handle or manage because of size or weight or shape
   • we set about towing the unwieldy structure into the shelter
   • almost dropped the unwieldy parcel