Dictionary entry

Ungainly

Webster's Dictionary 1913

Un‐gain″ly, a. [OE. ungeinliche, adv., fr. ungein inconvenient; un- + Icel. gegn ready, serviceable; adv., against, opposite. See Un- not, and Gain, a., Again.]

1. Not gainly; not expert or dexterous; clumsy; awkward; uncouth; as, an ungainly strut in walking.

His ungainly figure and eccentric manners. Macaulay.

2. Unsuitable; unprofitable. Hammond.