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Unimpressive: meaning, definitions and examples

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unimpressive

 

[ ˌʌnɪmˈprɛsɪv ]

Adjective
Context #1 | Adjective

appearance

Not capable of impressing or attracting attention; dull, uninspiring, or unremarkable.

Synonyms

mediocre, ordinary, unremarkable.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
unimpressive

Use when describing something that fails to impress or lacks impact. This word often carries a slightly negative connotation.

  • The presentation was unimpressive, and the audience seemed bored.
  • His performance was unimpressive compared to his previous work.
unremarkable

Use when describing something that is plain or lacking notable features, often implying that it was forgettable or not worth mentioning. This word usually has a neutral to slightly negative connotation.

  • The meal was unremarkable, but at least it was cheap.
  • His career was unremarkable until he landed a breakthrough role.
ordinary

Suitable for describing something that is standard, usual, or typical, without any special qualities. This word has a neutral connotation.

  • He led an ordinary life, working 9 to 5 and spending weekends with his family.
  • The design of the vase was quite ordinary, nothing special.
mediocre

Best for describing something that is average or of moderate quality, often implying disappointment because it lacks distinction or quality. This word carries a negative connotation.

  • The movie was mediocre, not bad but not particularly good either.
  • Her grades were just mediocre, so she didn't get into her first-choice college.

Examples of usage

  • The presentation was unimpressive, lacking any innovative ideas.
  • His unimpressive performance led to his dismissal from the team.
Context #2 | Adjective

quality

Not achieving the desired effect or result; inadequate or below expectations.

Synonyms

below par, disappointing, subpar.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
unimpressive

This term is used when something does not stand out or fails to make a strong impact, but not necessarily in a negative way.

  • The presentation was unimpressive; it didn’t have anything new or exciting
disappointing

This word has a negative connotation and is used when something fails to meet expectations or causes a feeling of disappointment.

  • The concert was disappointing because the main act only played for 30 minutes
below par

This phrase is often used in comparisons, particularly when discussing performance that does not meet a standard or expectation. It can be used in professional, academic, or everyday settings.

  • His performance this quarter was below par compared to his previous achievements
subpar

Similar to 'below par,' this term is used when something is below the expected level of quality or performance, often in professional or academic settings.

  • The report was subpar, lacking the depth and analysis we needed

Examples of usage

  • The unimpressive response from the audience was disappointing.
  • His unimpressive resume did not help him land the job.

Translations

Translations of the word "unimpressive" in other languages:

🇵🇹 sem graça

🇮🇳 अप्रभावी

🇩🇪 unbeeindruckend

🇮🇩 tidak mengesankan

🇺🇦 невражаючий

🇵🇱 nieimponujący

🇯🇵 印象的でない

🇫🇷 peu impressionnant

🇪🇸 poco impresionante

🇹🇷 etkileyici olmayan

🇰🇷 인상적이지 않은

🇸🇦 غير مثير للإعجاب

🇨🇿 nepůsobivý

🇸🇰 nepôsobivý

🇨🇳 不令人印象深刻

🇸🇮 neimpresiven

🇮🇸 óáhrifamikið

🇰🇿 әсерлі емес

🇬🇪 არასაინტერესო

🇦🇿 təəssüratsız

🇲🇽 poco impresionante

Etymology

The word 'unimpressive' originated in the late 18th century, from the prefix 'un-' meaning 'not' and the word 'impressive' meaning 'evoking admiration through size, quality, or skill'. It has been used to describe things or people that fail to make a significant impact or leave a lasting impression.

See also: impressed, impression, impressionable, impressions, impressive, impressively, impressiveness, unimpressed.

Word Frequency Rank

This word's position of #30,218 indicates it's among the more rare English words. While understanding it broadens your vocabulary, focus on more common words first.