Eyesore: meaning, definitions and examples

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eyesore

 

[ ˈaɪˌsɔr ]

Noun
Context #1 | Noun

visual discomfort

An eyesore is an unpleasant or unattractive object or feature that offends the sense of sight. It often refers to structures, buildings, or natural objects that disrupt the aesthetic appeal of an environment. Eyesores can detract from the beauty of a landscape or a neighborhood, leading to feelings of disappointment or irritation in those who view them. These can encompass a wide variety of items, from dilapidated buildings to poorly maintained public spaces.

Synonyms

abomination, blight, horror, nuisance.

Examples of usage

  • That abandoned warehouse is an eyesore in our neighborhood.
  • The city is trying to remove any eyesores from the park.
  • The bright pink building is considered an eyesore by many residents.

Translations

Translations of the word "eyesore" in other languages:

🇵🇹 ofensa visual

🇮🇳 दृष्टि विकार

🇩🇪 Augenweide

🇮🇩 mata sakit

🇺🇦 кривдливе видовище

🇵🇱 szkarada

🇯🇵 目障り

🇫🇷 horreur visuelle

🇪🇸 monstruosidad

🇹🇷 göz alıcı

🇰🇷 눈에 거슬리는 것

🇸🇦 منظر مزعج

🇨🇿 nepříjemný pohled

🇸🇰 zrakový nepohodlie

🇨🇳 眼睛的痛苦

🇸🇮 očesna groza

🇮🇸 augnasár

🇰🇿 көзге тиетін

🇬🇪 თვალისმომჭრელი

🇦🇿 gözə çarpan

🇲🇽 monstruosidad

Etymology

The term 'eyesore' originated in the late 16th century, combining the word 'eye' meaning the organ of sight, with 'sore', denoting pain or discomfort. The word 'sore' in this context refers not to physical pain, but rather to the discomfort caused by viewing something aesthetically displeasing. As urbanization increased in the centuries to follow, the term gained popularity, often used to describe unattractive buildings and unsightly infrastructure in developing cities. With the expansion of construction and architecture, particularly during the Industrial Revolution, the concept of an 'eyesore' became relevant in discussions about urban planning and design. Today, it is commonly applied in environmental discussions, city planning, and even in personal aesthetic judgments in various contexts.