Ungracefully: meaning, definitions and examples

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ungracefully

 

[ ʌnˈɡreɪsfəli ]

Adverb
Context #1 | Adverb

moving

In a manner lacking grace or elegance; awkwardly.

Synonyms

awkwardly, clumsily, inelegantly.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
ungracefully

Suitable for describing actions or movements that lack elegance and fluidity. Often used in more formal contexts or descriptions.

  • She danced ungracefully, her movements stiff and disjointed
  • The cat landed ungracefully after missing the jump
awkwardly

Best used when describing situations or actions that feel uncomfortable or socially embarrassing. Can refer to physical movements or social interactions.

  • He stood awkwardly in the corner, not knowing what to say
  • She tripped awkwardly over her own feet
clumsily

Typically used to describe movements that are poorly executed or lack coordination, often leading to mistakes or accidents. Generally has a negative connotation.

  • The child clumsily knocked over the vase while running
  • He clumsily fumbled with the keys, trying to unlock the door
inelegantly

Used to describe actions or styles that lack sophistication or grace. Often employed in more formal or critical assessments.

  • She inelegantly tried to fix her hair in the wind
  • His inelegantly written essay required significant revisions

Examples of usage

  • He ungracefully stumbled over his own feet.
  • She ungracefully tripped on the uneven pavement.
  • The dancer ungracefully attempted to perform a difficult move.
Context #2 | Adverb

speaking

In a manner lacking poise or finesse; without smoothness or sophistication.

Synonyms

awkwardly, clumsily, inelegantly.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
ungracefully

Use when someone or something lacks smoothness and elegance in movement or behavior.

  • She ungracefully stumbled on stage, clearly nervous about her performance.
  • The swan landed ungracefully, flapping its wings frantically to regain balance.
clumsily

Best used when referring to actions done with a lack of skill, coordination, or finesse.

  • She clumsily dropped the stack of papers all over the floor.
  • He clumsily attempted to fix the broken chair, making it even worse.
awkwardly

Suitable for describing situations or movements that are uncomfortable, uncoordinated, or socially uneasy.

  • He awkwardly tried to initiate small talk at the party, not knowing anyone.
  • The puppy awkwardly navigated the slippery floor, its legs splayed in all directions.
inelegantly

Describes actions or behaviors that lack refinement or sophistication, often in a physical sense.

  • The dancer moved inelegantly, lacking the fluidity of her peers.
  • The dish was arranged inelegantly on the plate, failing to impress the judges.

Examples of usage

  • He ungracefully blurted out the answer without thinking.
  • She ungracefully stumbled over her words during the presentation.

Translations

Translations of the word "ungracefully" in other languages:

🇵🇹 desajeitadamente

🇮🇳 अशिष्टता से

🇩🇪 ungeschickt

🇮🇩 dengan canggung

🇺🇦 незграбно

🇵🇱 niezgrabnie

🇯🇵 不器用に (bukiyou ni)

🇫🇷 maladroitement

🇪🇸 torpemente

🇹🇷 beceriksizce

🇰🇷 서투르게 (seoturugge)

🇸🇦 بشكل غير رشيق

🇨🇿 nemotorně

🇸🇰 nemotorne

🇨🇳 笨拙地 (bènzhuō de)

🇸🇮 nerodno

🇮🇸 óþjállega

🇰🇿 икемсіз

🇬🇪 უხერხულად

🇦🇿 bacarıqsızlıqla

🇲🇽 torpemente

Etymology

The word 'ungracefully' is formed by adding the prefix 'un-' to the word 'gracefully', which is derived from the word 'grace'. 'Grace' originated from the Latin word 'gratia', meaning 'favor' or 'thanks'. Over time, 'grace' evolved to also represent elegance and refinement. The addition of the prefix 'un-' changes the meaning to indicate the lack of grace or elegance. 'Ungracefully' is commonly used to describe actions or speech that lack finesse or smoothness.

See also: disgrace, disgraced, disgraceful, disgracefully, grace, graceful, gracefully, gracefulness, gracious, ungraceful, ungracefulness.