English Reference
Adjective

clunky

adj.
B2 Upper Intermediate US /ˈkɫəŋki/ UK /klˈʌŋki/ clunky

adj.describing something that is heavy, awkward, or difficult to use. You use this for things that feel slow or not very smooth.

adj.characterised by a heavy, awkward, or inelegant quality. Often used to describe physical objects or digital interfaces that feel slow or difficult to operate.


SIMPLE

The old computer is very clunky and slow.

CONTEXTUAL

The new software update made the interface feel clunky and confusing for first-time users.

COMPLEX

While the design was technically sound, the clunky hardware made the device feel outdated compared to the sleek, modern competitors on the market.

Patrick Dorgu is viewed as more of a winger by Michael Carrick while Diogo Dalot and Noussair Mazraoui are clunky fits on the left side of defence.

The Guardian· 20 Aug 2026

Madjo’s clunky control allowed Vitinha to claim the ball and locate Doué.

The Guardian· 12 Aug 2026

From clunk + -y.

Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.

This entry
Level B2 · Upper Intermediate
Frequency Occasional
Updated