Etymology
Origin of inelegance
First recorded in 1720–30; ineleg(ant) + -ance
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Once a showcase of American power, the Oval Office has now become a shrine to inelegance.
From Salon ● Jan. 4, 2026
Watching Ron live out this double-consciousness immediately triggered vivid memories of my own management of double consciousness — conducting that tricky dance that leaves no room for inelegance.
From The Guardian ● Aug. 7, 2018
There is a kind of intentional inelegance, a stubborn awkwardness to Lynch’s work, something akin to outsider art, that keeps it from ever seeming glib,soulless or less than felt.
From Los Angeles Times ● Jun. 30, 2017
I find the poem affecting; I call it a good poem; but the writing has quite a bit of Hardy’s characteristic awkwardness and inelegance.
From Slate ● Feb. 12, 2013
“But how in time did they put it in here and who in thunder done it?”—Jones was apt to lose accuracy and gain a certain inelegance in his speech as his force of expression increased.
From The Auto Boys' Vacation by James A. (James Andrew) Braden
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