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Unattractive: meaning, definitions and examples

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unattractive

 

[ˌʌn.əˈtræk.tɪv ]

Definition

Context #1 | Adjective

appearance

Not pleasing or appealing in appearance; lacking beauty or charm.

Synonyms

ugly, unappealing, unpleasant.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
unattractive

Same as the first entry: Used to describe something that lacks beauty or appealing features.

  • The movie’s plot was unattractive and predictable.
ugly

Stronger, more negative term used to describe something very displeasing to the senses or appearance. Often used in informal settings and can be seen as harsh.

  • The old building was ugly and falling apart.
  • She thought the dress was ugly and wouldn't wear it.
unappealing

Describes things that do not attract attention or interest. Often used in contexts with a slight emphasis on lacking charm or appeal.

  • The idea of working late hours was unappealing to him.
  • He found the presentation unappealing and boring.
unpleasant

Describes something that creates a sense of discomfort or dislike, often related to experiences or sensations. It is broader and can be used in more serious contexts.

  • The smell from the kitchen was unpleasant.
  • The conversation turned unpleasant very quickly.

Examples of usage

  • She found him unattractive because of his unkempt appearance.
  • The old house was unattractive with its peeling paint and overgrown garden.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

  • The word 'unattractive' combines 'attractive', which comes from the Latin 'attractivus', meaning to draw near, with the prefix 'un-', meaning not.
  • The origins of 'attractive' date back to the 15th century, used to describe things that draw interest or admiration.

Psychology

  • Studies show that first impressions significantly impact our perception of attractiveness, often based on quickly observable traits.
  • The 'mere-exposure effect' suggests that people tend to develop a preference for things simply because they are familiar, impacting perceptions of attractiveness.

Culture

  • In many cultures, ideals of beauty can vary greatly; what is considered unattractive in one culture might be attractive in another.
  • Media often emphasizes certain beauty standards, influencing societal ideas of attractiveness and leading to increased perceptions of being unattractive among individuals who don't fit these norms.

Literature

  • In literature, characters labeled as unattractive often have deeper qualities that reveal strength or kindness, challenging superficial judgments.
  • Classic stories frequently feature the theme of 'inner beauty,' demonstrating how characters deemed unattractive undergo transformation, both literally and metaphorically.

Translations

Translations of the word "unattractive" in other languages:

🇵🇹 pouco atraente

🇮🇳 अकर्षक

🇩🇪 unattraktiv

🇮🇩 tidak menarik

🇺🇦 непривабливий

🇵🇱 nieatrakcyjny

🇯🇵 魅力のない

🇫🇷 peu attrayant

🇪🇸 poco atractivo

🇹🇷 çekici olmayan

🇰🇷 매력 없는

🇸🇦 غير جذاب

🇨🇿 neatraktivní

🇸🇰 neatraktívny

🇨🇳 无吸引力的

🇸🇮 neprivlačen

🇮🇸 óaðlaðandi

🇰🇿 тартымсыз

🇬🇪 მიმზიდველი

🇦🇿 cəlbedici olmayan

🇲🇽 poco atractivo

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #16,625, this word belongs to specialized vocabulary. While not common in everyday speech, it enriches your ability to express complex ideas.