Unlovable: meaning, definitions and examples

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unlovable

 

[ ʌnˈlʌvəbl ]

Adjective
Context #1 | Adjective

emotional state

Unlovable describes a person or thing that is difficult to love or is perceived as having qualities that repel affection. This can stem from various factors, such as emotional distance, unkind behavior, or a history of negative experiences that lead others to feel unable to connect with them. The term can also reflect self-perception, where an individual believes themselves to be unworthy of love. It is often used in psychological contexts when discussing relationships and emotional health.

Synonyms

repulsive, unappealing, unattractive, undeserving

Examples of usage

  • Many individuals feel unlovable after experiences of rejection.
  • The character in the movie felt unlovable due to past traumas.
  • She often portrayed herself as unlovable, pushing people away.
  • Despite her talents, she believed she was unlovable.

Translations

Translations of the word "unlovable" in other languages:

🇵🇹 não amável

🇮🇳 अप्रिय

🇩🇪 unliebenswert

🇮🇩 tidak dicintai

🇺🇦 нелюбимий

🇵🇱 niekochanek

🇯🇵 愛されない

🇫🇷 inlovable

🇪🇸 no amado

🇹🇷 sevilmez

🇰🇷 사랑받지 못하는

🇸🇦 غير محبوب

🇨🇿 neoblíbený

🇸🇰 neobľúbený

🇨🇳 不可爱的

🇸🇮 neprijeten

🇮🇸 óelskanlegur

🇰🇿 сүйіспеншілікке ие емес

🇬🇪 არასიყვარული

🇦🇿 sevilməz

🇲🇽 no amado

Etymology

The term 'unlovable' is derived from the combination of the prefix 'un-' meaning 'not' and the root word 'lovable', which comes from the verb 'love'. The word 'love' can be traced back to Old English 'lufu', which represented deep affection or strong emotional attachment. The addition of 'able' suggests the capacity to be loved, making 'lovable' signify something that can attract love or affection. The prefix 'un-' negates this quality, leading to the formulation of 'unlovable' in the early 20th century. The concept reflects deeper emotional and psychological themes related to self-worth and external perceptions in interpersonal relationships. It resonates especially within contexts of mental health, where individuals grapple with feelings of inadequacy and rejection.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranking #35,268, this word is encountered relatively rarely in everyday English. It might appear in literary works or specialized texts but isn't essential for general communication.