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Ugliness: meaning, definitions and examples

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ugliness

 

[ˈʌɡlinəs ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

physical appearance

The quality or state of being ugly; lack of beauty or attractiveness.

Synonyms

hideousness, unattractiveness, unsightliness.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
ugliness

This word is generally used to describe something or someone that lacks beauty or is visually unappealing. It's a broad term that can be applied in various situations.

  • The building's ugliness made it stand out in the neighborhood
  • Despite her kind heart, she was often teased for her perceived ugliness
unattractiveness

This term is more neutral and is used to describe someone or something that isn't appealing or attractive. It is often used in a more polite or clinical context.

  • The unattractiveness of the offer made us hesitant to accept it
  • His unattractiveness didn't matter because of his charming personality
unsightliness

This word is often used to describe something that is not pleasant to view. It is typically applied to objects, places, or situations rather than people.

  • The unsightliness of the junkyard was hard to ignore
  • The unsightliness of the graffiti on the wall prompted the community to clean it up
hideousness

This word carries a stronger negative connotation and is often used to describe something that is very unpleasant to look at, sometimes invoking a sense of horror or disgust.

  • The hideousness of the monster's face frightened everyone
  • The hideousness of the crime scene left a lasting impression on the officers

Examples of usage

  • Her ugliness was only surpassed by her cruel personality.
  • He was mocked for his ugliness, but he shrugged it off with a smile.
Context #2 | Noun

unpleasantness

The quality of being unpleasant, offensive, or repulsive.

Synonyms

offensiveness, repulsiveness, vileness.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
ugliness

When describing something that visually looks unpleasant or unattractive.

  • The building's ugliness made it stand out in the otherwise beautiful neighborhood.
  • She couldn't get over the ugliness of the painting.
offensiveness

When something is not only unattractive but also insulting or causes anger due to its unpleasant nature.

  • The offensiveness of his comments made everyone in the room uncomfortable.
  • Many people couldn't handle the offensiveness of the joke.
repulsiveness

When something causes a strong feeling of disgust or revulsion because of its unattractiveness.

  • The repulsiveness of the rotten food made her gag.
  • He recoiled at the repulsiveness of the creature in the film.
vileness

When describing something morally reprehensible or wicked, often combining a sense of ugliness with bad character.

  • The vileness of his actions shocked the community.
  • They couldn't believe the vileness of the crime he committed.

Examples of usage

  • The ugliness of the situation made it difficult to find a solution.
  • The ugliness of his words left a bitter taste in my mouth.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

  • The word 'ugliness' comes from the Old English 'ugly', which means 'fearful' or 'dreadful'.
  • It has roots in the Proto-Germanic word 'ugljaz', which also conveys a sense of fear or dread.
  • The suffix '-ness' is used in English to form nouns indicating a state or quality.
  • The term was officially adopted into the English lexicon around the late 14th century.

Cultural Perspectives

  • In many cultures, physical beauty is often associated with positive traits like kindness and success, while ugliness tends to carry negative connotations.
  • Some art movements, like Expressionism, embrace 'ugliness' as a form of beauty, offering different interpretations of human experience.
  • Literature often explores themes of 'ugliness' to depict emotional states, showing how inner turmoil can manifest outwardly.

Psychology

  • Research shows that societal standards of beauty can impact self-esteem and personal identity.
  • The 'halo effect' suggests people considered attractive may be perceived as more likable and capable, highlighting bias associated with appearance.
  • Conversely, the stigma of 'ugliness' can lead to social isolation and discrimination in various contexts.

Philosophy

  • Philosophers have debated the nature of beauty and ugliness for centuries, often posing questions about moral and aesthetic values.
  • Some thinkers argue that 'ugliness' can provoke deeper reflection and insight, challenging our preconceived notions of beauty.
  • The contrast between beauty and ugliness is often explored in ethical discussions, particularly in relation to morality and the human condition.

Pop Culture

  • In movies, characters seen as 'ugly' often have unique personality traits that make them endearing, challenging traditional beauty standards.
  • Popular songs sometimes emphasize the idea that one’s worth is not determined by appearance, promoting acceptance of diverse looks.
  • Fashion and art sometimes deliberately incorporate 'ugliness' to challenge societal norms about beauty and provoke discussion.

Translations

Translations of the word "ugliness" in other languages:

🇵🇹 feiúra

🇮🇳 कुरूपता

🇩🇪 Hässlichkeit

🇮🇩 keburukan

🇺🇦 потворність

🇵🇱 brzydota

🇯🇵 醜さ (minikusa)

🇫🇷 laideur

🇪🇸 fealdad

🇹🇷 çirkinlik

🇰🇷 추함 (chuham)

🇸🇦 قبح (qubḥ)

🇨🇿 ošklivost

🇸🇰 škaredosť

🇨🇳 丑陋 (chǒulòu)

🇸🇮 grdota

🇮🇸 ljótleiki

🇰🇿 сұрықсыздық

🇬🇪 საძაგლობა (sadzagloba)

🇦🇿 çirkinlik

🇲🇽 fealdad

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #18,390, this word belongs to specialized vocabulary. While not common in everyday speech, it enriches your ability to express complex ideas.