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gangling

Awkwardly tall and thin, typically describing a person with long, clumsy limbs.
Adjective
comp: more ganglingsup: most gangling

This term carries a strong visual sense of disproportion. It describes a physical state where a person's growth has outpaced their coordination, creating an image of limbs that seem too long for the body to control efficiently. It is often used to describe the adolescent stage of growth.

While not inherently insulting, it suggests a lack of grace or elegance. It is softer than calling someone skeletal or lanky, focusing more on the resulting clumsiness than just the thinness of the frame.

Meanings

Adjective

Awkwardly tall and thin, typically describing a person with long, clumsy limbs.

The gangling teenager struggled to fit into the small school desk.

Examples

He was a gangling teenager who had not yet grown into his long limbs.

School Life

Look at that gangling fellow trying to dance.

Detective

She looked up at her gangling brother and wondered how he could be so clumsy.

A gangling youth stood by the gate looking lost.

Travel

He is far too gangling to be a professional gymnast.

Health
Fantasy

Why am I so gangling compared to everyone else in the class?

School Life

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Last Updated: May 2026Report an Error