Clunky: meaning, definitions and examples

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clunky

 

[ ˈklʌŋki ]

Adjective
Context #1 | Adjective

general description

The term 'clunky' describes an object or a mechanism that is awkward, heavy, or cumbersome in design. It often refers to items that do not function smoothly or are difficult to handle. In technology or software contexts, 'clunky' can denote systems that are inefficient, with poor user interfaces or laggy performance. This word can also imply a lack of elegance or refinement in execution.

Synonyms

awkward, bulky, cumbersome, heavy, ungainly

Examples of usage

  • The software is too clunky for everyday use.
  • He has a clunky phone that doesn't fit in his pocket.
  • Her clunky shoes made it hard for her to walk fast.
  • That old computer feels quite clunky compared to modern ones.

Translations

Translations of the word "clunky" in other languages:

🇵🇹 desajeitado

🇮🇳 भारी

🇩🇪 klobig

🇮🇩 kaku

🇺🇦 незграбний

🇵🇱 niezdarny

🇯🇵 不器用な (bukiyō na)

🇫🇷 maladroit

🇪🇸 torpe

🇹🇷 hantal

🇰🇷 투박한 (tubakhan)

🇸🇦 غير رشيق (ghayr rashiq)

🇨🇿 neobratný

🇸🇰 nešikovný

🇨🇳 笨拙的 (bènzhuō de)

🇸🇮 neroden

🇮🇸 klunnalegur

🇰🇿 салмақты (salmaqty)

🇬🇪 ძალიან მძიმე (dzalian mdzime)

🇦🇿 nəzarət altına alınan

🇲🇽 torpe

Etymology

The word 'clunky' first appeared in the English language in the mid-20th century, derived from the noun 'clunk', which means a heavy, dull sound produced when something falls or drops. 'Clunk' itself comes from a dialectal version of the word 'clank', which refers to a similar type of sound. Over time, the adjective form 'clunky' began to describe not only the sounds associated with clunky objects but also the actual state or quality of being awkward or inelegant. The evolution of this word reflects broader changes in technology and culture, especially as society has developed increasingly sophisticated tools and devices, making awkward or outdated designs more noticeable.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranking #35,815, this word is encountered relatively rarely in everyday English. It might appear in literary works or specialized texts but isn't essential for general communication.