ponderous

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "ponderous" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe an object or situation that is slow, heavy, oppressive, or excessively complicated. For example, "The legal process was so ponderous that it took almost two years for our case to be resolved."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Unfortunately, his prose lacks Mr Goldblatt's fluidity, and his descriptions of matches and players are frequently ponderous.

The Economist

Their risk-averse management, ponderous decision-making and emphasis on market share over profitability have seen them overtaken by nimbler rivals in South Korea and China.

The Economist

Hume was tireless, his ponderous public style betraying a quicksilver ability to analyse the issues.

The Guardian

Mertesacker lumbers back under pressure from Soudani and Slimani and Manuel Neuer is forced out of his penalty area to rescue the ponderous defender.

The Guardian - Sport

Officials put the cost at 144 billion yuan ($24 billion); cheap perhaps compared with the 400-billion-yuan line from Beijing to Shenzhen, but it traverses such a vast stretch of barely inhabited terrain that land and rehousing costs are negligible.Officials have given the project the ponderous name of the Lanxin Railway Second Double-Tracked Line.

The Economist

Many sellers of the ponderous recreational vehicles seen lumbering down the Interstates during the summer now report that their fastest-growing market consists of people between 35 and 50 who have finally hung up their boots.

The Economist

As for Viktor's branch of the family, under the benevolent Emperor Franz Josef they were, writes Edmund de Waal, Viktor's great-grandson, "so perfectly assimilated they …disappeared into Vienna .Among the other ponderous ornaments of that assimilation, the netsuke sat uneasily.

The Economist

The longer poems of his middle period can be ponderous and too philosophical by half.

The Economist

Nevertheless, the buses' cramped quarters and ponderous routes can easily ruin one's day before it starts.

The Economist

He did himself many more favours than the president, but at times failed to provide clear answers and made false claims Source: AFP Mr Obama was professorial and ponderous, and at times seemed to be wishing himself far away from the debate hall at the University of Denver Source: Getty Images Mr Obama's problems were partly structural.

The Economist

Yet Callie's story doesn't get off the ground until halfway through this ponderous book.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "ponderous" to describe something that is not only heavy in weight but also slow and labored in movement or execution. It's particularly effective for conveying a sense of solemnity or seriousness that borders on being dull.

Common error

Avoid using "ponderous" when you mean "pondering". "Ponderous" describes something heavy or slow, while "pondering" means thinking deeply about something.

Linguistic Context

The adjective "ponderous" primarily functions to describe a noun, imbuing it with qualities of heaviness, both literally and figuratively. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage, aligning with examples that showcase its application in diverse contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "ponderous" is an adjective that effectively describes something as heavy, slow, or labored. Ludwig AI validates its accurate application in writing, with the majority of examples originating from news and media sources, and its use is suitable for neutral registers. Although it may not be appropriate for casual conversation, its ability to convey a sense of weight or excessive seriousness makes it a useful tool in more analytical and descriptive writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

heavy

This term directly relates to the literal meaning of "ponderous", emphasizing weight and physical burden.

weighty

Similar to "heavy", but often used figuratively to describe something of great importance or consequence.

cumbersome

This alternative highlights the unwieldiness and difficulty in handling or managing something.

unwieldy

Focuses on the awkwardness and lack of manageability of something, often due to its size or complexity.

clumsy

Emphasizes a lack of grace or skill in movement or execution.

tedious

Refers to something that is slow, dull, and monotonous, often causing weariness.

laborious

Describes something that requires a great deal of effort and time.

protracted

Indicates that something is prolonged or extended in time, often excessively so.

oppressive

This term describes something that is burdensome and causes distress or hardship.

burdensome

Highlights the onerous and troublesome nature of something.

FAQs

How can I use "ponderous" in a sentence?

You can use "ponderous" to describe something heavy, slow, or labored, such as "The legal process was so ponderous that it took years to resolve" or "His speeches were often ponderous and uninspiring".

What are some synonyms for "ponderous"?

Alternatives to "ponderous" include "heavy", "weighty", "cumbersome", or "tedious depending on the context".

Is it correct to describe a person as "ponderous"?

Yes, you can describe a person as "ponderous" if they are slow and deliberate in their movements or speech, or if they are perceived as being overly serious and lacking in levity.

What is the difference between "ponderous" and "pondering"?

"Ponderous" describes something heavy or slow, while "pondering" refers to the act of thinking deeply about something. They are related conceptually but have different grammatical functions and meanings.