Heavy-footed

Describing someone or something that moves or acts clumsily, noisily, and without grace or lightness. This can refer to physical movement, like walking or dancing, or metaphorical actions, like handling a situation or making decisions. A heavy-footed individual often lacks subtlety and can be unaware of the impact of their actions on others. They might stomp, blunder, or make errors due to a lack of finesse or sensitivity. The term implies a lack of awareness of one's physical presence or the consequences of one's actions.

Heavy-footed meaning with examples

• The clumsy dancer was notorious for being heavy-footed; each leap resulted in a resounding thud on the stage, much to the audience's amusement. His lack of grace made watching the performance a comedy of errors. He truly needed to work on his balance and lightness, so he would stop disrupting the delicate atmosphere.
• Walking through the quiet library, I tried my best not to be heavy-footed, carefully placing each step to avoid disturbing the readers around me. My heavy boots always felt like a hindrance. The echo of a misstep would carry through the room.
• The general's heavy-footed approach to diplomacy, marked by threats and demands, worsened the international crisis. His attempts at negotiation seemed to lack the skill necessary to succeed. He seemed to blunder forward regardless of the outcome.
• During her first attempt at ballet, Sarah's heavy-footed movements contrasted sharply with the elegance of the other dancers. The teacher told her to practice more carefully and learn to move with more control. Everyone felt as if a giant had come in and taken the stage.
• Despite his good intentions, the new manager's heavy-footed implementation of changes within the company led to significant employee unrest. He was just being too insensitive to the current culture. Eventually, these poor decisions cost him his job.