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Definition of inelegant

inelegant

/ɪnˈɛl.ɪ.ɡənt/
in · el · e · gant
Adverb:inelegantly
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inelegant Lexical Profile

inelegant Game Scores & Validity

• adjective

1

Having or showing a lack of physical grace, refinement, or good taste in appearance or movement.

Example

"The heavy, bulky furniture looked distinctly inelegant in the small apartment."

2

Lacking simplicity, conciseness, or polish in style, expression, or scientific design.

Example

"While the programmer's code worked as intended, it was a slow and inelegant solution to the problem."

Synonyms
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Antonyms
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• Rhymes for inelegant

• Nearby Words

inefficiently
inelastic
inelegance
inelegant
inelegantly
ineligibility
ineligible

Word Origin & Etymology

Borrowed from Latin inēlegāns ('tasteless, unrefined'), formed from the privative prefix in- ('not') and ēlegāns ('choice, tasteful, refined'), related to ēligere ('to pick out, select').

Cite this Entry

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