ungracefully

ungracefully — adverb

1. in a way that is not smooth, controlled, or physically attractive — for example,

1.副詞C1
釋義

in a way that is not smooth, controlled, or physically attractive — for example, moving with stiff or uncoordinated actions that make the person or thing look awkward.

例句

Harper tripped and fell ungracefully into the pile of fallen leaves.

adverb of manner modifying 'fell'

The puppy scrambled ungracefully across the kitchen floor, its paws sliding everywhere.

同義詞
  • clumsily

    more common, suggests knocking things over or losing balance rather than just lacking smoothness

  • awkwardly

    emphasizes lack of ease or naturalness, often from nervousness or inexperience

  • gracelessly

    closest synonym, though slightly more critical in tone

  • stiffly

    specifically suggests rigidity and lack of fluid motion

反義詞
  • gracefully

    with smooth, controlled, and attractive movement

  • smoothly

    without bumps, jerks, or interruptions

文法句型

modifies a verb of motion or physical position

用法筆記

Typically modifies verbs of physical movement or position change (fall, rise, drop, scramble, wobble). Describes observable awkwardness in motion, not the person's general character.

常見錯誤

❌The dancer moved ungracefully across the stage.
✅The dancer moved stiffly across the stage.
💡professional dancers may lack fluidity, but 'ungracefully' implies basic lack of control, which is too strong for a trained performer.
❌She walked ungracefully to the bus stop.
✅She trudged ungracefully through the deep snow to the bus stop.
💡ordinary walking without awkward conditions sounds unnatural with 'ungracefully'; the context needs to show why the movement lacked grace.

2. in a way that is not polite, tactful, or pleasant in social situations — for exa

2.副詞C1
釋義

in a way that is not polite, tactful, or pleasant in social situations — for example, refusing an invitation without thanks, dismissing help, or complaining loudly in public.

例句

Quinn refused the dinner invitation ungracefully, without a single word of thanks.

adverb of manner modifying 'refused' for impolite refusal

Marta dismissed her colleague's offer of help ungracefully, without a word of thanks.

同義詞
  • rudely

    more direct and common; 'rudely' describes intent to offend, while 'ungracefully' suggests lack of social polish

  • impolitely

    more formal; focuses on violation of social rules

  • tactlessly

    emphasizes insensitivity to others' feelings rather than outright rudeness

反義詞

文法句型

modifies a verb of social interaction

用法筆記

Describes the manner of a social action (refusing, dismissing, complaining, handling criticism) as impolite or lacking tact. The focus is on the observable behavior, not the speaker's intention.

常見錯誤

❌He ungracefully asked the waiter for water.
✅He asked for water without saying please.
💡'ungracefully' is used for refusals or criticisms, not for simple neutral requests.