clunky

American  

[kluhng-kee] / ˈklʌŋ ki /

adjective

Informal.

clunkier, clunkiest

1. awkwardly heavy or clumsy.

   clunky metal jewelry; clunky shoes.

---

clunky British  

/ ˈklʌŋkɪ /

adjective

1. making a clunking noise

2. informal ponderously ungraceful or unsophisticated

   clunky boots

3. awkward or unsophisticated

   then you guffaw at clunky dialogue

---

Etymology

Origin of clunky

First recorded in 1965–70; clunk + -y ¹

Example Sentences

“Our early trials of ChatGPT’s update are still rather clunky and not ideal. Consumers aren’t yet seeing a materially different path to purchase.”

From MarketWatch • Apr. 6, 2026

“The Forsytes” is a clunky visual feast, but it’s also a new hot dish in an expanding buffet of eat-the-rich takes that materializes what one imagines a serialized adaptation of Gentlemen’s Quarterly would look like.

From Salon • Mar. 28, 2026

Instead of making an argument, an algorithm will narrate its own process, relying on clunky signposts like “this article will explore” or “moreover” and “furthermore.”

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 5, 2026

I escorted myself up a clunky metal utility elevator which opened into a warmly lit waiting room of beiges and pinks and a desk, both empty.

From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 18, 2026

She’s one of those older teachers who wear cardigans and clunky shoes and are big into “classroom etiquette.”

From "Wayward Creatures" by Dayna Lorentz

Related Words

• bulky
• burdensome
• embarrassing
• heavy
• inconvenient
• ponderous
• tiresome
• unwieldy