'ungracefully' originates from the English prefix 'un-' meaning 'not' and the word 'graceful', which comes from the Latin word 'gratia', meaning 'grace'.

'gratia' transformed into the Old French word 'grace', and eventually became the modern English word 'graceful'. The prefix 'un-' was added to form 'ungraceful', and the adverbial suffix '-ly' was added to form 'ungracefully'.

Initially, 'gratia' meant 'favor' or 'thanks', but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'elegance' or 'grace'.