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Nondescript: meaning, definitions and examples

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nondescript

 

[ nɒndɪˈskrɪpt ]

Adjective
Context #1 | Adjective

general description

The term 'nondescript' refers to something that is lacking distinctive or interesting features or characteristics. It is often used to describe people, places, or things that are unremarkable or ordinary in appearance or nature. For example, a building may be described as nondescript if it does not stand out amidst others.

Synonyms

bland, commonplace, drab, ordinary, unremarkable

Examples of usage

  • The restaurant was located in a nondescript building.
  • He wore a nondescript outfit that blended in with the crowd.
  • The city was filled with nondescript houses.
  • Her nondescript appearance made her easy to overlook.
  • They chose a nondescript vehicle to avoid drawing attention.

Translations

Translations of the word "nondescript" in other languages:

🇵🇹 indefinido

🇮🇳 असामान्य

🇩🇪 nichtssagend

🇮🇩 tidak menarik

🇺🇦 незначний

🇵🇱 niewyraźny

🇯🇵 特徴のない

🇫🇷 banal

🇪🇸 indefinido

🇹🇷 belirsiz

🇰🇷 특징 없는

🇸🇦 غير بارز

🇨🇿 nevyrazný

🇸🇰 nevyrazný

🇨🇳 无特征的

🇸🇮 neopazen

🇮🇸 óskýr

🇰🇿 сипаттамасыз

🇬🇪 არამატერიალური

🇦🇿 müəyyən olmayan

🇲🇽 indefinido

Etymology

The word 'nondescript' is formed from the prefix 'non-' meaning 'not' and the word 'descript', which is derived from the Latin 'descriptus', the past participle of 'describere' meaning 'to describe'. This etymology reflects the meaning of the word; something that cannot be described distinctly or which lacks identifiable characteristics. 'Nondescript' first entered the English language in the early 20th century, specifically around 1920, primarily to describe people or objects that are deemed ordinary and not worth mentioning. The usage of the term has remained consistent, capturing the essence of things that are plain or unexceptional, often used in contrast to more striking or remarkable entities.

Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #23,171, this word is part of extensive vocabulary. It's relatively rare in general usage but may be important in specific fields or formal writing.