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Definition of clunky

clunky

/ˈklʌŋ.ki/
clunk · y
Adverb:clunkily
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clunky Lexical Profile

clunky Game Scores & Validity

• adjective

1

Poorly designed, inefficient, or awkward to use or understand (especially of software, systems, or writing).

Example

"The company updated its website because customers complained about the clunky checkout interface."

2

Solid, heavy, and awkward in form, build, or physical movement; lacking grace or sleekness.

Example

"She traded her clunky winter boots for a pair of lightweight running shoes as the weather warmed up."

3

Making a dull, heavy, metallic sound during operation or impact.

Example

"The mechanic listened closely to the clunky noise coming from the transmission."

Synonyms
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Antonyms
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• Rhymes for clunky

• Nearby Words

clumsy
clunk
clunker
clunky
cluster
clustering
clustery

Word Origin & Etymology

Coined in the mid-20th century from the imitative noun 'clunk' (representing a heavy, dull sound made by thick or metallic objects impacting one another) plus the adjectival suffix '-y'.

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Clunky. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/clunky
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