adjective

inelegant

in-EL-ih-gunt/ɪnˈelɪɡənt/

Lacking grace or pleasing simplicity.

The inelegant chair has bulky legs and a cluttered network of braces.

An ungainly wooden chair with a bulky seat, excessively thick legs, and a visually cluttered network of redundant braces, beside a modest, clean-lined chair.

Etymology

Joined to elegans, “choice, fine, tasteful,” the negative prefix marks a lack of taste or judgment. The modern sense keeps that connection between good taste and graceful or refined form.

In context

Robert Greene 1:40

if you were trying too hard to get ahead inside the court you would look ugly you would look inelegant and people wouldn't like you

Play The Game of Power

More examples

The repair works, but it is an inelegant solution.
She replaces the inelegant sentence with a few clear words.
He lands in an inelegant heap on the mat.

Forms

inelegant · more inelegant · most inelegant

inelegance noun — A lack of grace or pleasing simplicity.

inelegantly adverb — In a way that lacks grace or simplicity.

Similar words

awkward: Often suggests clumsy movement or an uncomfortable physical arrangement.
clumsy: Emphasizes poor coordination or a lack of skillful execution.
ungainly: Usually describes an awkward shape or lack of physical grace.