unwieldy

adjective

un·​wieldy ˌən-ˈwēl-dē 

: not easily managed, handled, or used (as because of bulk, weight, complexity, or awkwardness) : cumbersome

unwieldily

ˌən-ˈwēl-də-lē 

adverb

unwieldiness

ˌən-ˈwēl-dē-nəs 

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."

Synonyms

• awkward
• bunglesome
• clumsy
• clunky
• cranky
• cumbersome
• cumbrous
• ponderous
• ungainly
• unhandy

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The system is outdated and unwieldy.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

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

Word History

First Known Use

1530, in the meaning defined above

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Kids Definition

unwieldy

adjective

un·​wieldy ˌən-ˈwē(ə)l-dē 

ˈən-

: not easily handled or managed because of size or weight : awkward, cumbersome

an unwieldy tool