unwieldy
Difficult to handle, move, or manage due to size, shape, or complexity
Examples
In a meeting
“Our approval process has become unwieldy with too many stakeholders.”
Over coffee
“This suitcase is so unwieldy—I can barely lift it.”
Why this word
awkward
unwieldy specifically describes something difficult to handle due to size, shape, or complexity, while awkward refers more broadly to clumsiness or social discomfort
bulky
unwieldy emphasizes difficulty in manipulation or control, while bulky only describes large size or mass
clumsy
unwieldy describes the object or system itself as hard to manage, while clumsy typically describes a person's lack of grace
Usage tip
Use for physical objects that are awkward to handle or systems/processes that are cumbersome.
Etymology
Old English: un- (not) + wieldy from wieldan (to wield, control) — 'not easily handled'
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Related words
intricate
Having many complex, interrelated parts or details; complicated
arduous
Involving or requiring strenuous effort; difficult and tiring
intractable
Difficult or impossible to manage, resolve, or control
nuanced
Characterized by subtle shades of meaning or expression
convoluted
Extremely complex and difficult to follow
convolute
To make something overly complex or complicated