unwieldy

adjective

un·​wieldy ˌən-ˈwēl-dē How to pronounce unwieldy (audio)
: not easily managed, handled, or used (as because of bulk, weight, complexity, or awkwardness) : cumbersome
unwieldily adverb
unwieldiness noun

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The Difference Between Wieldy and Unwieldy

The verb to wield means "to handle or exert something effectively." A carpenter might wield a hammer with impressive dexterity, for example, or a talented orator might wield influence over an audience of listeners. Something that is "wieldy" is capable of being wielded easily, and while that adjective may not be particularly common, its antonym "unwieldy" finds ample use to describe anything that is awkward to handle, move, or manage. "Wield" and its relatives all derive via Middle English from Old English wieldan, meaning "to control."

Examples of unwieldy in a Sentence

The system is outdated and unwieldy. an unwieldy machine that requires two people to operate it
Recent Examples on the Web
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.
Anyone 35 or older will remember these toys being chunkier and unwieldy but, thankfully, times have changed. Toby Rose, Parents, 24 Oct. 2024 Professional models can reach well over 20 feet, but these can be unwieldy and not really suitable for homeowners. Luke Miller, Better Homes & Gardens, 20 Oct. 2024 When Ivan takes cowardly flight, the picture becomes ever more ambitious and unwieldy, morphing into a vehicular chase thriller, with three men in desperate pursuit and a sullen, semi-chastened Ani in tow. Justin Chang, The New Yorker, 11 Oct. 2024 That yielded over 350 accounts, which was unwieldy. PCMAG, 7 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for unwieldy 

Word History

First Known Use

1530, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of unwieldy was in 1530

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Dictionary Entries Near unwieldy

Cite this Entry

“Unwieldy.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/unwieldy. Accessed 21 Nov. 2024.

Kids Definition

unwieldy

adjective
un·​wieldy ˌən-ˈwē(ə)l-dē How to pronounce unwieldy (audio)
ˈən-
: not easily handled or managed because of size or weight : awkward, cumbersome
an unwieldy tool

More from Merriam-Webster on unwieldy

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