bulky design

USAGE SUMMARY

"bulky design" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You could use it when describing an object with a large, ungainly shape, or when discussing an aesthetic in which large and clunky shapes are prominent. For example: "The designer's work was defined by her bulky design choices, using large, awkward shapes to make a statement."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

18 human-written examples

The battery also makes for a bulky design.

The New York Times

Its limited apps, rough build, bulky design and inconsistent software are not up to scratch with Google's Android, Apple's iOS, Microsoft's Windows Phone or BlackBerry's BB10.

The Guardian - Tech

But as more remains of the medieval synagogue were unearthed by archeologists, who started work in 1995, opposition by Jews to the bulky design increased.

The New York Times

Technically, an LPD is most similar to a cathode ray tube (CRT) display the bulky design that is quickly becoming obsolete.

MIT Technology Review

However, its utility has been limited by its bulky design and the challenge of using it with the operating microscope.

World Neurosurgery

The Aro, whose bulky design has changed little since the 1960's, lacks amenities like power windows and surround-sound stereo; its foam seats have been derided even by some dealers who plan to sell it.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

42 human-written examples

In a long jacket with mandarin collar and knit pants in black, I resembled Anne Robinson of "The Weakest Link". The St. John knit, I realized, is slightly bulky, designed to camouflage, and younger women don't want to hide behind their clothes.

The New York Times

The screen must be lit from behind using a light bright enough to overcome the losses in the glass, the liquid-crystal medium, the matrix of thin-film transistors that flip the pixels on and off, and the colour filters that give the image its composition.In practice, that means power-draining backlights, complex assemblies and bulky designs.

The Economist

Most hard cases, like those from Pelican, are reliable but bulky, designed for air travel with multiple lenses, but not hiking or climbing and quick access.

TechCrunch

Herr, whose MIT lab has built a small, motorized ankle exoskeleton that broke new ground by showing that it could actually improve walking performance, laments the military's preoccupation with big, bulky designs.

Science Magazine

I searched for a 'phone wallet case' online, and while there are a number of solutions out there, they still have bulky designs and didn't fit in with my style.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a product, consider using more specific terms if possible. Instead of simply saying "bulky design", specify which dimensions are large or what aspects make it feel cumbersome.

Common error

While "bulky design" is generally acceptable, avoid using it excessively in formal writing. Opt for more technical or descriptive terms such as "large form factor" or "substantial dimensions" for a more professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "bulky design" primarily functions as a descriptive term. It combines the adjective "bulky", indicating large size or mass, with the noun "design", referring to the plan or structure of something. This combination serves to characterize a design as being large and cumbersome. Ludwig AI confirms this usage.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

30%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Encyclopedias

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "bulky design" is a grammatically sound and commonly used term for describing designs characterized by their large size or cumbersome nature. As Ludwig AI confirms, it serves primarily as a descriptive term, frequently appearing in news, media and scientific contexts. While generally neutral, writers should be mindful of the specific context and consider more precise language for formal writing or technical descriptions. Alternatives like "clumsy design" or "cumbersome design" can offer nuanced perspectives. Understanding the contexts and implications will help writers to use "bulky design" effectively and accurately.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

clunky design

This alternative emphasizes the inelegance and lack of refinement in the design.

clumsy design

This alternative focuses on the awkwardness and lack of elegance of the design.

cumbersome design

This alternative emphasizes the inconvenience and difficulty associated with the design due to its size.

awkward design

This alternative suggests that the design is ungainly and not well-proportioned.

massive design

This alternative highlights the sheer size and scale of the design.

ungainly design

This alternative describes a design that is awkward or clumsy in appearance or movement.

large design

This is a more general alternative, simply indicating that the design is big.

over-sized design

This alternative suggests that the design is larger than necessary.

unwieldy design

This alternative stresses the difficulty in handling or using the design.

heavy design

This alternative focuses on the weight and heaviness of the design.

FAQs

How can I describe a "bulky design" more precisely?

Instead of saying "bulky design", try using more specific descriptions such as "over-sized", "cumbersome", or "ungainly" to provide a clearer picture of the design's characteristics. You could also use "clumsy design" or "awkward design".

What is the difference between "bulky design" and "clunky design"?

"Bulky design" refers to the large size or dimensions of the object. "Clunky design" suggests that the object is not only large but also inelegant and lacks refinement. They are similar but "clunky design" carries a more negative connotation.

In what contexts is it appropriate to use "bulky design"?

"Bulky design" is appropriate in both formal and informal contexts. It is often used in product reviews, technical descriptions, and general discussions about design. However, for very formal or technical documents, a more precise term may be preferred.

What are some alternatives to "bulky design" that maintain a similar meaning?

Alternatives to "bulky design" include "massive design", "large design", "cumbersome design", or "over-sized design". The best choice depends on the specific aspect of the design you want to emphasize.