ungainliness
|un-gain-li-ness|
/ʌnˈɡeɪnlɪnəs/
(ungainly)
awkward movement
Etymology
'ungainly' originates from Middle English, specifically from the adjective 'ungainly' formed by the prefix 'un-' (meaning 'not') + 'gainly' (from Middle English 'gainly', related to 'gain' meaning 'advantage' or 'profit').
'ungainly' changed from Middle English forms such as 'ungainlich' / 'ungainly' (built from 'un-' + 'gainly') and eventually became the modern English word 'ungainly', with the noun 'ungainliness' formed by adding the suffix '-ness'.
Initially, it meant 'not convenient, not advantageous' (i.e., not 'gainly' or becoming), but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'awkward or clumsy in movement or appearance.'
Meanings by Part of Speech
Noun 1
the quality or state of being ungainly; awkwardness or clumsiness in movement, appearance, or manner.
Despite her best efforts, her ungainliness on the ice was obvious to everyone.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Idioms
Last updated: 2025/09/04 05:27