Graceless

Part of speech: adjective

Pronunciation: /ˈɡɹeɪsləs/

Definitions

1. Lacking elegance, coordination, or social tact in movement or behavior
2. Having an absence of charm, poise, or refinement in both physical movement and interpersonal interactions
3. Exhibiting a deficiency in poise, harmony, or diplomatic skill in actions and social encounters

Etymology: "Graceless" is a plain formation: the noun "grace" with the suffix "-less", meaning "without" (as in "careless" or "hopeless"). It entered English in Middle English as "graceles," so its core sense was literal before it took on social meanings. In the older sense, a graceless person was one lacking divine grace, morally unredeemed, and that religious colouring lingered for centuries before the modern sense of clumsiness or tactlessness became dominant. Over time the word narrowed from spiritual and moral failing toward the everyday social failings the modern definition describes: a graceless remark, a graceless exit, a host who handles an awkward moment badly. "Grace" itself carried the sense of favour and elegance, so a lack of it came to suggest a lack of ease in conduct as well as a lack of charm.

Synonyms: ungainly, clumsy, awkward, inelegant, unrefined

Antonyms: graceful, elegant, poised, refined, smooth