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Definition of inelegance

inelegance

/ɪnˈɛlɪɡəns/
in · el · e · gance
Adverb:inelegantly
•
Plural:inelegances
•
Adjective:inelegant
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inelegance Lexical Profile

inelegance Game Scores & Validity

• noun

1

The quality or state of lacking grace, refinement, or good taste in style, manner, or appearance.

Example

"The critic noted the structural inelegance of the early draft, though he praised its emotional honesty."

2

An awkward, unrefined, or clumsy feature, expression, or act.

Example

"The editor spent the afternoon smoothing out the stylistic inelegances in the translated manuscript."

Synonyms
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Antonyms
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• Rhymes for inelegance

• Nearby Words

inefficient
inefficiently
inelastic
inelegance
inelegant
inelegantly
ineligibility

Word Origin & Etymology

Borrowed in the late 15th century from Latin inelegantia, formed from the privative prefix in- ('not') and elegantia ('taste, refinement'), from eligere ('to choose out or select').

Cite this Entry

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