Definitions

from Wiktionary, Creative Commons Attribution/Share-Alike License.

  • adverb In an inartful manner.

Etymologies

from Wiktionary, Creative Commons Attribution/Share-Alike License

inartful +‎ -ly

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Examples

  • Given that the last time Gibbs spoke "inartfully" -- when he acknowledged that Republicans have a shot at taking back the House this fall -- he was stating what many observers believe to be fact, we're asking Fixistas to weigh in on Gibbs 'latest remarks.

    Fix Daily Poll: Robert Gibbs and the "professional left" 2010

  • He issued a statement longer than the original offending words acknowledging that he may have spoken "inartfully" -- which is Washington-speak for honestly -- and confessing to watching "too much cable."

    Robert Gibbs was right to criticize the 'professional left' 2010

  • Yesterday, his so-called apology weaseled around with saying it "inartfully" -- one of those non-apologies.

    Yahoo! News: Business - Opinion 2010

  • He issued a statement longer than the original offending words acknowledging that he may have spoken "inartfully" -- which is Washington-speak for honestly -- and confessing to watching "too much cable."

    IndyStar.com Top Stories 2010

  • Even though Gibbs later semi-apologized, saying he had spoken "inartfully," it's not hard to see why the comparison stings.

    It's Obama's White House, but it's still Bush's world 2010

  • Or is it someone in the campaign acting "inartfully" as The One MPBUH would put it?

    McCain will debate. Ann Althouse 2008

  • From his backtracking, Obama's consistent position, "inartfully" phrased, is to allow late-term abortions if needed to preserve the health of the mother -- he simply initially disregarded that mental health as well as physical health were at risk.

    Obama backtracks on late-term abortions. Ann Althouse 2008

  • Brewer's lawyer conceded that the sentence was "inartfully" written and should apply only to suspected illegal immigrants.

    chicagotribune.com - 2010

  • In fact, some "inartfully" drafted distributorship contracts would be swept within their de fi nition.

    Recently Uploaded Slideshows Batjaa_sh 2009

  • "inartfully" because he watches too much cable or whatever.

    Hot Air » Top Picks 2010

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