ungainly design

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "ungainly design" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a design that is awkward, clumsy, or lacking in grace. Example: "The new building's ungainly design drew criticism from architects and the public alike."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Academia

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

60 human-written examples

Again and again, headsets that promised to immerse people in wondrous, three-dimensional worlds have bombed with the public — held back by high prices, ungainly designs and crude graphics.

The New York Times - Tech

Unfortunately, too much has been lost in translation leaving a weird story, some horrifically ungainly character design, and jokes that never land right.

The Guardian - Film

Maeve was an imposing if slightly ungainly figure.

The Guardian - Books

The demolition of classic mid-wars houses and their replacement with ugly, box-shaped mansions with massive, ungainly porticos, designed to cater to the whims of wealthy foreign buyers, is turning some roads into a toytown-looking pastiche.

The Guardian

Wise, Kline and Abel had been unable to agree on how to photograph the sequence, and the result was a poorly designed and ungainly effect that Trumbull was convinced was disruptive to the plot and would have cost millions to fix.

Wikipedia

And NASA would find out if something as ungainly as the Ares 1 design - a thicker top than the bottom booster - could survive during ascent through the Earth's atmosphere.

HuffPost

Look at the vintage typewriters on display in Myhrvold's office: The designs are quirky, ungainly, and many of the machines weren't good for much more than making a label.

Princeton University

Many of the big modern cruise ships looked much of a muchness, giant seaborne hotels, or shopping malls, ungainly things with nothing in their design to echo the romance and majesty of the sea.

The Guardian - Arts

As recently as the 1960s there was the German Amphicar (born of an original troop-transport design), which was entirely ungainly, difficult to steer, and had a tendency to overheat.

Forbes

Mr. Price designed a picturesque if ungainly facade, rich in carved detail and peculiar ornamentation.

The New York Times

The beauty was the arresting Infiniti Essence design study; the beast was the ungainly Nissan Qazana crossover proposal, sort of a dune buggy for downtown dwellers.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "ungainly design" when you want to emphasize that something looks awkward and clumsy, often due to poor planning or execution. It is particularly effective when describing objects or structures that should ideally be graceful or streamlined.

Common error

Avoid using "ungainly design" to describe abstract problems or complex systems. This phrase is best suited for physical objects or visual layouts. Instead, opt for terms like 'unwieldy system' or 'inefficient process' when describing abstract concepts.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "ungainly design" functions as a descriptive term, where "ungainly" modifies the noun "design". It serves to attribute a quality of awkwardness or clumsiness to a particular design. According to Ludwig AI, this expression is correct and usable.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Academia

33%

Wiki

33%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "ungainly design" is a grammatically sound phrase used to describe designs that appear awkward or clumsy. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English. While not overly common, it effectively conveys a negative assessment of a design's aesthetics or functionality. Alternative phrases such as "awkward design" or "clumsy design" can be used for similar effect. The phrase is suitable for various contexts, though it is most frequently found in news, media, academic and wiki sources. It is important to use this phrase when criticizing designs that have a lack of visual balance or a visual structure that appears to be falling apart.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

awkward design

Replaces "ungainly" with a more common and straightforward adjective.

clumsy design

Emphasizes the lack of finesse and elegance in the design.

inelegant design

Highlights the absence of grace and style.

unattractive design

Focuses directly on the aesthetic appeal of the design.

unsightly design

Suggests the design is unpleasant to look at.

malformed design

Indicates a structural flaw or deformity in the design.

poorly conceived design

Criticizes the initial idea and planning behind the design.

misshapen design

Implies a deviation from a typical or expected form.

unaesthetic design

Directly states that the design lacks aesthetic qualities.

ungraceful design

Highlights the lack of fluidity and poise in the design.

FAQs

How can I describe a design that is awkward and clumsy?

You can use the phrase "ungainly design". Alternatives include "awkward design", "clumsy design", or "inelegant design", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

What does "ungainly design" imply about the object being described?

The phrase "ungainly design" implies that the object or structure in question lacks grace and elegance, appearing awkward or clumsy in its form or execution. It suggests a lack of visual appeal and possibly functional inefficiency as well.

Is "ungainly design" suitable for formal writing?

Yes, "ungainly design" is suitable for formal writing, but be mindful of the context. While the word "ungainly" itself isn't overly informal, ensure that the overall tone of your writing remains consistent with the intended audience and purpose. Using a more technical term might be more appropriate depending on the field of study.

What are some contexts where I might use the phrase "ungainly design"?

You can use "ungainly design" when describing architecture, product design, fashion, or any field where aesthetics and form are important. For example, you might describe a building with an "ungainly design", or a vehicle with an "ungainly design".