'inelegance' originates from Latin, specifically the word 'inelegantia,' where 'in-' meant 'not' and 'elegantia' meant 'tastefulness or refinement.'

'inelegantia' transformed into the French word 'inelegance,' and eventually became the modern English word 'inelegance' through Middle English.

Initially, it meant 'lack of taste or refinement,' and this meaning has largely remained the same in modern usage.