clunkiness

USAGE SUMMARY

"clunkiness" is a correct and usable word in written English.
It is a noun that refers to the quality or state of being awkward, cumbersome, or inelegant. Examples: - The new software update improved the user experience by getting rid of the clunkiness in the navigation system. - The designer had to make several adjustments to the prototype to eliminate the clunkiness of the product. - The car's engine had a noticeable clunkiness when shifting gears, indicating a potential mechanical issue. - The old computer's clunkiness made it difficult to keep up with the demands of modern technology. - The novel's clunkiness in its plot and character development was criticized by many readers.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Asset recovery is a slog, studded with obstacles that range from the deviousness of those hiding the money to the clunkiness of the international legal framework for identifying, freezing and repatriating looted wealth.

The Economist

Such clunkiness helps explain why, according to Endeavour Partners, a consultancy, one in three Americans who buy such a device stop wearing it inside six months.So why is Google bothering?

The Economist

Such clunkiness was nonetheless a major advance from 150 years earlier, when Alexander Bain, a Scottish inventor, patented the first fax a device that connected two styluses using a pendulum and a telegraph wire.Thank goodness, then, that faxes are now going the way of the typewriter and carbon paper.

The Economist

He says he was struck by how declining Mid-Western plants had a rigid, top-down approach to decision-making, while their Japanese rivals placed a responsibility for success on everyone (an overly rosy view of Japan's collectivism, perhaps, given the clunkiness of many of its big firms).

The Economist

The power delivery is very smooth and there's none of the clunkiness you get from having to change gear".

Independent

As Cameron went on, however, I started to worry less about the borrowings from Blair and the clunkiness of the speech-writing ("Labour: you're not for working people, you're for hurting people"), and to pay more attention to the message.

Independent

The four-hour film that survives and is now being revived is flamboyant and sophisticated in spite of its occasional clunkiness.

Independent

Watching it through the reflected light of her eyes, I saw the clunkiness, the sentiment and the dull dramatic lacunae all too clearly.

Independent

"Nightcrawler" has patches of clunkiness, to be sure, and Lou's face-off at a police station, near the end, feels graceless and unnecessary.

The New Yorker

And one of my writerly habits, born out of a sort of innate clunkiness of approach, is the old "put a baby near a cliff" method; I'm not very subtle when I'm trying to ramp up the emotion or the peril in a piece.

The New Yorker

On the second floor cleverness gives way to clunkiness in a series of drippy resin-coated vessels based on Sèvres porcelain.

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "clunkiness" when describing a lack of elegance or efficiency in systems, processes, or designs. It accurately conveys a sense of awkwardness or difficulty in use.

Common error

While "clunkiness" is widely understood, it might sound informal in highly professional or academic writing. Consider using more formal alternatives like "inefficiency" or "cumbersome nature" /s/cumbersome+nature to maintain a polished tone.

Linguistic Context

The noun "clunkiness" functions primarily to describe the state or quality of being clumsy, awkward, or inefficient. As Ludwig AI explains, it describes something lacking smoothness or elegance, often making a task more difficult. Examples from Ludwig show it applied to software, design, and even writing style.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "clunkiness" is a versatile noun used to describe a lack of elegance or efficiency across various domains. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability. While frequently employed in news and media, it's advisable to consider more formal alternatives like "inefficiency" /s/inefficiency or "awkwardness"/s/awkwardness in professional or academic settings. Common alternatives to "clunkiness" include "cumbersome nature" and "inelegance". Understanding its communicative purpose and register ensures effective and appropriate usage.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

awkwardness

Focuses on the lack of physical or social grace.

cumbersome nature

Emphasizes the burdensome or unwieldy aspect.

inelegance

Highlights the lack of refinement or polish.

ineptitude

Points to a lack of skill or competence, resulting in clumsy execution.

awkward design

Implies a flaw in the design causing difficulty or discomfort.

lack of smoothness

Underscores the absence of fluidity or seamlessness.

functional imperfection

Highlights deficiencies in usability or effectiveness.

technical deficiency

Focuses on flaws in the technical execution or implementation.

lack of refinement

Emphasizes the absence of subtle improvements or finishing touches.

structural flaw

Points to an inherent weakness or defect in the framework or composition.

FAQs

How can I use "clunkiness" in a sentence?

You can use "clunkiness" to describe something that is awkward, inefficient, or inelegant. For example: "The software's "clunkiness" made it difficult to use."

What words are similar to "clunkiness"?

Synonyms for "clunkiness" include "awkwardness", "cumbersome nature", and "inelegance". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is "clunkiness" appropriate for formal writing?

While "clunkiness" is widely understood, it may be considered too informal for certain professional or academic contexts. Consider using alternatives such as "inefficiency" or "cumbersome nature".

What causes "clunkiness" in software design?

"Clunkiness" in software can result from poor user interface design, inefficient code, or a lack of intuitive features. Addressing these issues can improve usability.