1
as in uncomfortable
lacking social grace and assurance
inelegant teens still learning how to act at formal events
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in inappropriate
marked by an obvious lack of style or good taste
inelegant furniture that looked like it belonged in a budget motel
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Examples Sentences
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Recent Examples of inelegant
That process is genial and inelegant in equal measure.
—
David Ehrlich, IndieWire, 17 Oct. 2024
The best Korean moisturizers and sunscreens introduced an American audience to the possibilities beyond staid formulations and inelegant sun protection, offering brand-new active ingredients, playful packaging, and innovative technology.
—Deanna Pai, Vogue, 28 Sep. 2024
In practice, these features are a bit wonky and inelegant.
—Victoria Song, The Verge, 21 Sep. 2024
Until recently, most observers were willing to settle for an accurate but inelegant description: that the countries are neither friends nor foes.
—Minxin Pei, Foreign Affairs, 12 Feb. 2014
See all Example Sentences for inelegant 
David Ehrlich, IndieWire, 17 Oct. 2024
The best Korean moisturizers and sunscreens introduced an American audience to the possibilities beyond staid formulations and inelegant sun protection, offering brand-new active ingredients, playful packaging, and innovative technology.
—Deanna Pai, Vogue, 28 Sep. 2024
In practice, these features are a bit wonky and inelegant.
—Victoria Song, The Verge, 21 Sep. 2024
Until recently, most observers were willing to settle for an accurate but inelegant description: that the countries are neither friends nor foes.
—Minxin Pei, Foreign Affairs, 12 Feb. 2014
See all Example Sentences for inelegant
Recent Examples of Synonyms for inelegant
Adjective
-
Normal Sensations With Urination UTIs cause inflammation of the urinary tract, leading to uncomfortable symptoms when urinating.—
Mark Gurarie,
Verywell Health,
24 Jan. 2025
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On just his second film, the gifted young helmer demonstrates a sophisticated sense of framing, pace and exquisitely uncomfortable dramatic tension, compounded by Jung-Jae Il’s anxious Philip Glass-like score.—
Peter Debruge,
Variety,
24 Jan. 2025
Adjective
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In stark contrast, Lauren Sanchez's choice of a white suit with a visible lace corset was inappropriate for the occasion, earning a notably low score in dress and presence.—
Kristen Waggoner,
Newsweek,
21 Jan. 2025
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Bad reviews, inappropriate comments and shabby online engagements have the opposite effect and can potentially leave a permanent mark against the company name.—
Dmitry Malin,
Forbes,
21 Jan. 2025
Adjective
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In a moment when Liston was hurling a clumsy punch and his balance was susceptible, Ali threw what looked like a swiping right graze at his opponent’s head.—
Mikal Gilmore,
Rolling Stone,
17 Jan. 2025
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Even observers who think the outlook for China’s economy is less dire agree that its growth is slowing and will be constrained by structural challenges and a clumsy policymaking process.—
Jude Blanchette,
Foreign Affairs,
7 Jan. 2025
Adjective
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For example, malfunctioning sensors, unreliable asset location or gaps in data collection can produce incorrect conclusions about asset movement, leading to questionable insights.—
Fabio Belloni,
Forbes,
21 Jan. 2025
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In that case, Fox made a modest admission that incorrect claims had been made, but Dominion Voting Systems was able to reveal the size of the settlement — the more telling concession.—
David Folkenflik,
NPR,
21 Jan. 2025
Adjective
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Listen to Marsden recall the awkward encounter in the clip above.—
EW.com,
EW.com,
24 Jan. 2025
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In his defense, the Anti-Defamation League tweeted from X that Musk’s gesture seemed to be an awkward expression of enthusiasm.—
Quartz Intelligence Newsroom,
Quartz,
24 Jan. 2025
Adjective
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The following year, regulators ruled that the company is unsuitable to operate its casinos in Sydney and Queensland, placing them under government supervision.—
Yessar Rosendar,
Forbes,
20 Jan. 2025
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That's because Blue Origin aims to recover the first stage of the New Glenn rocket, and sea states in the Atlantic Ocean have been unsuitable for an initial attempt to catch the first stage booster on a drone ship.—
Eric Berger,
Ars Technica,
11 Jan. 2025
Adjective
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Add Vargas to the long list of Americans who have been uneasy about TikTok’s future.—
Jeff Gluck,
The Athletic,
20 Jan. 2025
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For all of their uneasy gazing and silent discernment, artful visages are a key element in the decor.—
Leilani Marie Labong,
Architectural Digest,
15 Jan. 2025
Adjective
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Frisco hooded peacoat: $15.19 Dog coats don’t need to be unfashionable.—
Christopher Murray,
Fox News,
16 Jan. 2025
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Iceland’s entry is radical in its unfashionable straightforwardness.—
Scott Roxborough,
The Hollywood Reporter,
10 Jan. 2025
Thesaurus Entries Near inelegant
Cite this Entry
“Inelegant.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/inelegant. Accessed 30 Jan. 2025.
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