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Unfashionable Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

๐Ÿ‘–
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unfashionable

[หŒสŒnหˆfรฆสƒษ™nษ™bl ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Adjective

style

Not in keeping with the current fashion; out of date or old-fashioned.

Synonyms

old-fashioned, outdated, unstylish.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
unfashionable

When something is not in line with current fashion trends. It might not be necessarily old, but it is out of step with what is currently popular.

  • Her clothes were considered unfashionable by her peers
  • He always wears unfashionable sneakers, but he loves them
outdated

When something is not just unfashionable but also no longer functional or useful due to technological or societal changes. This term tends to have a negative connotation.

  • The software they use at work is completely outdated
  • Her views on marriage seem a bit outdated
old-fashioned

When something belongs to a style or manner that was popular in the past. It often carries a sense of nostalgia, but it might also suggest that something is not up-to-date.

  • He has an old-fashioned approach to raising children
  • She loves old-fashioned dresses from the 1920s
unstylish

When something lacks style or elegance, often implying that it is visually unappealing.

  • Those shoes are very unstylish
  • He has an unstylish haircut that doesn't suit him

Examples of usage

  • She wore an unfashionable dress to the party.
  • His taste in music is considered unfashionable by many.
Context #2 | Adjective

trend

Not following or in line with the latest trends or styles.

Synonyms

behind the times, obsolete, passรฉ.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
unfashionable

This term is used to describe something that is not currently popular or trendy. It is often used in relation to clothing, styles, and cultural trends.

  • Wearing bell-bottom jeans is considered quite unfashionable today.
  • Her choice of hairstyle is a bit unfashionable, but she likes it.
behind the times

This phrase is used to describe people, ideas, or things that are outdated or not in line with current standards or practices. It can sometimes suggest a lack of awareness about modern trends.

  • His views on technology are really behind the times.
  • Using a fax machine in today's world feels behind the times.
obsolete

This word describes something that is no longer in use, often due to being replaced by something newer and more effective. It has a technical or practical connotation.

  • The CD player has become almost obsolete with the rise of digital music.
  • Many old technologies become obsolete as new ones are developed.
passรฉ

This term is used to describe something that is no longer fashionable or in style. It often carries a slightly dismissive tone and is frequently used in the context of fashion and cultural trends.

  • Shoulder pads are completely passรฉ in today's fashion world.
  • Reading paperbacks feels a bit passรฉ when you have an e-reader.

Examples of usage

  • His unfashionable haircut made him stand out in the crowd.
  • The interior design of the house was seen as unfashionable by modern standards.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Cultural Trends

  • In the 1980s, bright colors and bold patterns became trendy, making simpler styles feel unfashionable.
  • The concept of 'unfashionable' changes over time; what was once seen as outdated can come back into style through nostalgia.

Pop Culture

  • In films and television, characters often portrayed as 'unfashionable' serve as the comic relief or the underdog who later transforms.
  • Fashion critics can elevate something considered unfashionable into high fashion, showing the fluidity of trends.

Psychology

  • Feeling unfashionable can impact self-esteem; trends often shape social interactions and perceptions of belonging.
  • People have a psychological tendency to conform to trends, making those who choose to be unlabeled feel isolated or different.

History

  • During certain historical eras, like the Victorian age, being unfashionable often indicated lower social status or poverty.
  • In the 1960s, counterculture movements embraced being unfashionable as a form of rebellion against mainstream norms.

Origin of 'unfashionable'

Main points about word origin

  • The term combines 'un-' (meaning 'not') and 'fashion,' which comes from the Latin 'facere,' meaning 'to do.'
  • Originally, 'fashionable' referred to something that is made in the manner of whatโ€™s current or trendy.

The word 'unfashionable' originated in the early 19th century, derived from the combination of 'un-' meaning 'not' and 'fashionable' meaning 'in style'. It reflects the idea of something being not trendy or out of fashion in a particular time period. Over the years, the term has been used to describe clothing, trends, styles, and attitudes that are no longer considered fashionable or popular.

See also: fashion, fashionable, fashionably, fashioning, fashionista, refashion.

Word Frequency Rank

At rank #28,468, this word represents specialized academic or technical vocabulary. It's less frequently encountered but may be valuable in specific contexts.