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.
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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
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Be realistic The most uncomfortable truth of the last few days has been how quickly firefighting efforts were overwhelmed and outmatched by the extreme fire conditions, Cohen said.Andrew J. Campa, Los Angeles Times, 12 Jan. 2025
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And all of this leads to an uncomfortable but inevitable question: What happens to Bazzite now?Jason Evangelho, Forbes, 11 Jan. 2025
Adjective
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In his Wednesday interview on French radio, French FM Barrot suggested that Musk's interventions in European nations' domestic politics were even more inappropriate because Musk is part of President-elect Trump's government-in-waiting.Tom Soufi Burridge, ABC News, 9 Jan. 2025
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John Anthony Ayala, of Colton and who previously worked at Inland Peak Performance and F1 Training in San Bernardino, sent inappropriate texts to the girl, according to a Jan. 3 news release by the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department Highland station.Paloma Chavez, Sacramento Bee, 7 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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According to a recent Prosper Insights & Analytics survey, 30% of workers are concerned with AI hallucinations, which is when AI generates incorrect information as a result of poor training or inaccurate assumptions.Gary Drenik, Forbes, 9 Jan. 2025
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Approximately 780,000 incorrect charges totaling over 2 billion forints ($5.43 million) in one night.Tommy Tuberville, Newsweek, 9 Jan. 2025
Adjective
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Though the two might have an awkward run-in in the Love Island All-Stars Villa.Lea Veloso, StyleCaster, 13 Jan. 2025
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Ribas’ hands and movement were much crisper than that of Dern, whose movement was awkward and punches were slower and wilder than those of her foe.Trent Reinsmith, Forbes, 12 Jan. 2025
Adjective
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This mismatch results in recruiters spending excessive time reviewing unsuitable applications, with 22% dedicating three to five hours daily to this task.Jack Kelly, Forbes, 15 Jan. 2025
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Uncovering a Forgotten History The discovery was initiated by a 1930s agricultural report referencing untended land filled with graves and trees—an area unsuitable for cultivation.Gordon G. Chang, Newsweek, 12 Dec. 2024
Adjective
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Congress passed the law that would force a sale in April with bipartisan support as lawmakers from both parties have been uneasy over the app’s ties to China.Nik Popli, TIME, 9 Jan. 2025
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The addition of such real-life clips—including that of the anchor Jim McKay—gives September 5 a documentary-like feel, cleverly immersing viewers into the uneasy headspace of those inside the studio.Shirley Li, The Atlantic, 9 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 21 Jan. 2025.
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