adj.
Pronunciation: - ' g ā n-l ē
Function: adjective
Etymology: obsolete gain direct, from Middle English gayn, geyn, from Old English g ē n, from Old Norse gegn, from gegn, preposition, against; akin to Old English g ē an- against ― more at AGAIN
Date: 1611
1 a : lacking in smoothness or dexterity : CLUMSY < ungainly movements> b : hard to handle : UNWIELDY <an ungainly contraption>
2 : having an awkward appearance <a large ungainly bird>
– un · gain · li · ness noun