clunky

Everyday

1. Big, heavy and awkward, not smooth or neat to use, like clunky old shoes or a clunky machine. tree →
2. (of writing, computer programs) Awkward and not well put together. tree →

In the lessons

In everyday life it describes old phones, computers and furniture; in English lessons a teacher may call a sentence clunky if it reads badly. Phrases: "a clunky sentence", "clunky old computer".

Examples

• Grandad's old phone is clunky and heavy. tree →
• She wore clunky boots to the party. tree →
• This sentence is clunky; try making it shorter. tree →
• The website is clunky and hard to use. tree →
• The robot moved in a clunky way. tree →
• The clunky old lift rattled up the shaft. tree →

Note

Informal. Comparative: clunkier, clunkiest. From the sound "clunk".