ungainly

Syllables:
u·ngain·ly
3 syllables
ungainly in syllables

About "ungainly"

Syllables
3
Letters
8
Language
EN

How to Split "ungainly" into Syllables

The word ungainly is divided into 3 syllables: u·ngain·ly. Understanding this syllable division is essential for correct pronunciation and spelling.

📝 Syllable Breakdown

  • u — 1st syllable
  • ngain — 2nd syllable
  • ly — 3rd syllable

🔊 Pronunciation Guide

The phonetic transcription of ungainly:

  • IPA: /ʌnˈɡeɪnli/

Listen to Pronunciation

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📖 Definitions

  1. ungainly (comparative ungainlier or more ungainly, superlative ungainliest or most ungainly)
  2. His body, though thin, looked oversized and ungainly, his limbs poorly knit together; he appeared to conquer his tendency to awkwardness by making only the smallest, most deliberate of movements.

📚 Word Origin & History

From un- (“not”) +‎ gainly (“graceful; becoming; proper, suitable; gracious, kindly”) (from gain (“dexterous; convenient, easy, handy; suitable”), from Old Norse gegn (“fit, serviceable; direct, straight; honest; kindly”) + -ly (suffix forming adjectives from nouns)). Compare dialectal Norwegian Nynorsk ugjegnleg (“stubborn; troublesome”). ungain (from un- + gain (“dexterous; convenient, easy, handy; suitable”)) +‎ -ly.

✓ Why Learn Syllable Division?

Understanding how to break down ungainly into syllables helps with:

  • Correct pronunciation — Knowing syllable structure ensures accurate speech
  • Improved spelling — Breaking words into chunks makes them easier to remember and write
  • Reading fluency — Recognizing syllable patterns speeds up reading comprehension
  • Poetry and lyrics — Syllable counting is essential for meter and rhythm
  • Language learning — Non-native speakers benefit from syllable awareness

🔗 Related Words

Explore syllable divisions of words related to ungainly:

Ungava, unglued, ungodly, unguent, ungentle, unglazed, ungraded, unguided.

Frequently Asked Questions About "ungainly"

How many syllables does "ungainly" have?

ungainly has 3 syllables: u·ngain·ly. The word is divided into 3 distinct sound units that make up the complete pronunciation.

Where is the stress in "ungainly"?

The stress is on the first syllable: u. This means you emphasize the "u" part when pronouncing ungainly.

How do you pronounce "ungainly"?

ungainly is pronounced as /ʌnˈɡeɪnli/ (IPA notation). The syllables are divided as: u·ngain·ly.

Is "ungainly" easy to spell?

Breaking ungainly into syllables helps with spelling: u·ngain·ly. By pronouncing each syllable separately, you can identify the letters more easily and avoid common spelling mistakes.

Why learn to divide "ungainly" into syllables?

Learning syllable division helps with correct pronunciation, improved spelling, better reading fluency, and is useful for poetry and lyric writing where syllable counting matters. It's especially helpful for language learners.