Undistinguished: meaning, definitions and examples

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undistinguished

[ˌʌndɪˈstɪŋɡwɪʃt ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Adjective}

appearance

Not distinguished or prominent.

Synonyms

average, common, ordinary, plain, unremarkable.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
undistinguished	Describes something that does not stand out or is not particularly special. Often used for people or achievements. Despite his undistinguished career, he was well-liked by his colleagues
unremarkable	Indicates something that is not worth noting or lacks any special qualities. Often used in negative reviews or descriptions. The movie was unremarkable; there was nothing particularly good or bad about it
ordinary	Implies something that is normal, lacking any special features or distinctions. Often used to describe daily life or typical things. He was just an ordinary guy, living an ordinary life
average	Refers to something typical or in the middle range in terms of quality or quantity. Commonly used to describe performance, abilities, or statistics. Her performance was just average; it wasn't bad, but it wasn't great either
common	Used to describe something that is frequently encountered or widespread. Often refers to shared characteristics or prevalence. Smartphones have become common in today's society
plain	Describes something simple, without decorations or anything extra. Often used for objects, appearance, or style. She prefers plain clothing without any fancy details

Examples of usage

He was wearing a suit of undistinguished appearance.
The building had an undistinguished exterior design.

^{Context #2 | Adjective}

performance

Not marked by any outstanding or unusual features; normal.

Synonyms

average, mediocre, ordinary, run-of-the-mill, unexceptional.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
undistinguished	Used to describe someone or something that does not stand out in any notable or memorable way. Often implies a lack of achievement or uniqueness. The restaurant was undistinguished, offering a menu very similar to other diners in the area. His career remained largely undistinguished until he found his true calling.
mediocre	Carries a negative connotation and is used to describe something that is only moderate or acceptable in quality, often implying disappointment or dissatisfaction. The movie received mediocre reviews, with critics saying it lacked originality. He was a mediocre player, never really impressing anyone on the field.
unexceptional	Indicates something that is not particularly good or bad, simply ordinary with no outstanding features. Neutral to slightly negative. The performance was unexceptional, with the actors delivering their lines competently but without great flair. The hotel offered unexceptional service, doing just enough to meet guests' needs.
average	Refers to something that is typical, normal, or middle-of-the-road. This word is generally neutral and is used to describe the standard or expected level. The student scored an average grade on the test, right in the middle of the class. An average car can get you from point A to point B without much flair but reliably.
ordinary	Describes something that is common, usual, or unremarkable. This word is neutral and emphasizes the lack of anything special or different. She led an ordinary life, working a 9 to 5 job and spending weekends with her family. The house was ordinary, with no distinct architectural features.
run-of-the-mill	Used in informal contexts to describe something that is average, not special, or just like many others. Typically neutral or slightly negative. It was just a run-of-the-mill meeting, with nothing exciting to report. The bakery sold run-of-the-mill pastries that didn’t stand out from those at other shops.

Examples of usage

Her undistinguished performance in the competition did not earn her a medal.
The team's undistinguished record in recent games led to concerns about their future.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

The word combines the prefix 'un-' meaning 'not' with 'distinguished,' which comes from the Latin 'distinguere,' meaning 'to set apart.'
The use of 'undistinguished' dates back to the 19th century, showcasing its longevity in the English language.
In language, the term contrasts with words like 'remarkable' or 'outstanding,' emphasizing its role in depicting the mundane.

Literature

Writers often use 'undistinguished' to describe characters who lack unique traits, making them relatable yet forgettable.
The term can appear in critiques, pointing out something as being average when compared to more notable works.
'Undistinguished' can evoke feelings of nostalgia or reflection on the beauty in the ordinary through various literary styles.

Psychology

People may feel 'undistinguished' when they struggle to find their unique identity, leading to self-esteem challenges.
The concept of 'ordinary' vs. 'extraordinary' plays a significant role in motivational psychology, where feeling undistinguished can spark personal growth.
Studies show that environments promoting individual recognition can reduce feelings of being undistinguished among people.

Pop Culture

In movies and books, 'undistinguished' characters often serve as the everyday person, emphasizing the extraordinary in their eventual growth or change.
Television often depicts suburban life with undistinguished characters to contrast with more dynamic roles, highlighting human experiences.
The rise of underdog stories in pop culture frequently features characters who begin as undistinguished but achieve greatness through perseverance.

Education

Class discussions may label certain ideas as undistinguished to encourage students to think more critically and creatively.
Teachers often remind students that every contribution has value, countering feelings of being undistinguished in a crowded classroom.
Research shows that assigning unique roles in group projects can help students avoid feeling undistinguished in collaborative environments.

Translations

Translations of the word "undistinguished" in other languages:

🇵🇹 indistinto

🇮🇳 अस्पष्ट

🇩🇪 unauffällig

🇮🇩 tidak menonjol

🇺🇦 невиразний

🇵🇱 niezauważalny

🇯🇵 目立たない

🇫🇷 indistinct

🇪🇸 indistinguido

🇹🇷 belirsiz

🇰🇷 눈에 띄지 않는

🇸🇦 غير مميز

🇨🇿 nerozlišitelný

🇸🇰 nerozlíšiteľný

🇨🇳 不显著的

🇸🇮 neopazen

🇮🇸 ógreinanlegur

🇰🇿 ерекшеленбейтін

🇬🇪 გაურჩეველი

🇦🇿 fərqlənməyən

🇲🇽 indistinguido

Word Frequency Rank

At rank #25,598, this word represents specialized academic or technical vocabulary. It's less frequently encountered but may be valuable in specific contexts.

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25595 ammo
25596 roach
25597 heraldry
25598 undistinguished
25599 mermaid
25600 tympani
25601 bulimia
...