lacking finesse

[ˈlækɪŋ fɪˈnes]
adjective phrase
sem finura; destituído de elegância
1. lacking sophistication, grace, or delicate skill in execution or manner
His approach to negotiation was lacking finesse; he was too direct and aggressive.
Sua abordagem na negociação era sem finura; ele era muito direto e agressivo.
2. crude, clumsy, or inelegant in style or technique
The repairs were lacking finesse and looked obviously patched up.
Os reparos eram destituídos de elegância e pareciam visivelmente remendados.
3. lacking tact or diplomatic skill in social or professional interactions
Her comment was lacking finesse and offended several colleagues.
Seu comentário era sem diplomacia e ofendeu vários colegas.
In Brazilian business culture, 'finesse' is highly valued, especially in negotiations and interpersonal communication. Lacking finesse is seen as unprofessional. In American contexts, the phrase often implies both social awkwardness and technical clumsiness, while in Portuguese-speaking cultures it may emphasize a lack of aesthetic or diplomatic refinement.
NYC Slang
rough around the edges; clunky
Synonyms / Sinônimos
crudeclumsyineleganttactlesslacking sophisticationunrefinedunsophisticatedlacking grace
Antonyms / Antônimos
refinedelegantsophisticatedgracefultactfuldiplomaticpolished

Regional Variations

General Brazilian
sem finura; falta de finura
most common and neutral usage
Rio de Janeiro
sem jogo de cintura; grosseiro
colloquial expression emphasizing lack of social grace
São Paulo
sem elegância; mal feito
emphasizes crude execution
Portugal
sem refinamento; tosco
more formal register in European Portuguese

Related Words

finesserefinementsophisticationelegancegracetactdiplomacydelicacy

Related Idioms & Phrases

like a bull in a china shop
all thumbs
lacking the common touch
too heavy-handed
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