unwieldy

adjective

un·​wieldy ˌən-ˈwēl-dē How to pronounce unwieldy (audio)
: not easily managed, handled, or used (as because of bulk, weight, complexity, or awkwardness) : cumbersome
unwieldily adverb
unwieldiness 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."

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The system is outdated and unwieldy.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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
This often results in shots that are launched with her hands well outside of the vertical cylinder of her body, resulting in her most unwieldy misses. Julia Poe, Chicago Tribune, 20 Jan. 2025 The leadership shift follows a period of growth and strategic expansion under Cerutti and an unwieldy art market. Daniel Cassady, ARTnews.com, 15 Jan. 2025 That strategy led GroupM to develop and acquire dozens of various agency and product brands that over time became unwieldy and complicated for clients looking to tap into GroupM and WPP's cross-company tools and expertise. Sara Fischer, Axios, 7 Jan. 2025 As organizations strive to offer comprehensive solutions, the temptation to continuously add features can lead to unwieldy, complex products that ultimately dilute value for users. Ayesha Mahmood, Forbes, 9 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for unwieldy 

Word History

First Known Use

1530, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of unwieldy was in 1530

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Dictionary Entries Near unwieldy

Cite this Entry

“Unwieldy.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/unwieldy. Accessed 26 Jan. 2025.

Kids Definition

unwieldy

adjective
un·​wieldy ˌən-ˈwē(ə)l-dē How to pronounce unwieldy (audio)
ˈən-
: not easily handled or managed because of size or weight : awkward, cumbersome
an unwieldy tool

More from Merriam-Webster on unwieldy

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