Ungainly, a.
Etymology: [OE. ungeinliche, adv., fr. ungein inconvenient; un- + Icel. gegn ready, serviceable; adv., against, opposite. See Un- not, and Gain, a., Again.]
1. Not gainly; not expert or dexterous; clumsy; awkward; uncouth; as, an ungainly strut in walking. His ungainly figure and eccentric manners. Macaulay.
2. Unsuitable; unprofitable. [Obs.] Hammond.
1 other Webster entry under this spelling
Ungainly, adv.
In an ungainly manner.
Shades of meaning
Fernald has no entry of its own for ungainly; he lists it under awkward.
He lists it without comment; the entries above explain its neighbors.