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Uninviting: meaning, definitions and examples

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uninviting

 

[ˌənɪnˈvaɪtɪŋ ]

Definition

Context #1 | Adjective

description

Not attractive or appealing; giving an unwelcoming or unappealing impression.

Synonyms

repellent, unappealing, unattractive, unwelcoming.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
uninviting

Used to describe a place or situation that feels uncomfortable, unwelcoming, or not tempting.

  • The house looked uninviting with its broken windows and overgrown lawn
unappealing

Used to describe something that is not attractive or lacks charm, often used for objects or scenarios.

  • The food on the plane looked unappealing and tasteless
unattractive

Used to describe someone or something that lacks physical beauty or charm.

  • The building was rather unattractive with its dull grey walls
unwelcoming

Used to describe a person or place that makes others feel unwelcome or uncomfortable.

  • The receptionist's cold stare made the office feel unwelcoming
repellent

Used to describe something that causes strong dislike or disgust; can be used both literally (to repel insects) and figuratively.

  • His repellent behavior at the party made everyone avoid him

Examples of usage

  • The uninviting room was cold and bare.
  • Her uninviting smile made him feel uncomfortable.
  • The uninviting weather kept most people indoors.
  • The uninviting smell coming from the kitchen made me lose my appetite.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

  • The word comes from 'un-', a prefix meaning 'not', combined with 'inviting', which relates to welcoming or appealing.
  • The concept of inviting dates back to Middle English, where social gatherings were essential for community bonding.
  • The prefix 'un-' transforms positive adjectives into their negative forms, illustrating how English modifies meaning.

Psychology

  • Environments that are uninviting can create feelings of isolation, affecting people's mental state and willingness to engage.
  • Psychological studies show that ‘uninviting’ spaces can trigger feelings of anxiety and discomfort.
  • Interior design often considers elements that make spaces inviting or uninviting, focusing on color, light, and layout.

Art and Literature

  • In literature, settings described as uninviting often symbolize conflict or foreboding, enhancing the mood.
  • Artists frequently depict uninviting landscapes to evoke feelings of desolation or melancholy.
  • Dystopian narratives often feature uninviting environments that reflect societal decay or oppression.

History and Culture

  • Uninviting areas historically served as physical barriers, marking territory and indicating social hierarchies.
  • In many cultures, hospitality is paramount; a lack of welcoming signals social rifts or conflict.
  • Architecture throughout history emphasized inviting spaces to promote community, contrasting with designs that create barriers.

Pop Culture

  • Films often use uninviting settings, like haunted houses, to create suspense and fear, pulling viewers into the narrative.
  • Music videos may feature uninviting locations to symbolize emotional struggle or alienation of the artist.
  • Video games frequently incorporate uninviting environments as a challenge for players, enhancing the suspenseful experience.

Translations

Translations of the word "uninviting" in other languages:

🇵🇹 não convidativo

🇮🇳 आमंत्रणहीन

🇩🇪 unattraktiv

🇮🇩 tidak menarik

🇺🇦 непривабливий

🇵🇱 niezapraszający

🇯🇵 魅力がない

🇫🇷 peu attrayant

🇪🇸 poco atractivo

🇹🇷 çekici olmayan

🇰🇷 매력 없는

🇸🇦 غير جذاب

🇨🇿 nepřitažlivý

🇸🇰 nepríťažlivý

🇨🇳 不吸引人的

🇸🇮 neprivlačen

🇮🇸 óaðlaðandi

🇰🇿 тартымсыз

🇬🇪 არამიმზიდველი

🇦🇿 cəlbedici olmayan

🇲🇽 poco atractivo

Word Frequency Rank

This word's position of #30,704 indicates it's among the more rare English words. While understanding it broadens your vocabulary, focus on more common words first.