Unsightliness: meaning, definitions and examples

👎
Add to dictionary

unsightliness

 

[ʌnˈsaɪtnəs ]

Definition

Context #1 | Noun

appearance

The quality or state of being unsightly; ugliness.

Synonyms

repulsiveness, ugliness, unattractiveness.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

arrow down
Word Description / Examples
unsightliness

When describing something that is unpleasant to look at, often regarding physical conditions or environments.

  • The unsightliness of the abandoned buildings ruined the neighborhood's appeal.
ugliness

When referring to something or someone lacking physical beauty, often blunt and considered rude.

  • The ugliness of the statue was a topic of much debate.
unattractiveness

When mildly speaking about something or someone that is not appealing or pretty, less harsh than 'ugliness'.

  • The unattractiveness of the old wallpaper led us to renovate the room.
repulsiveness

When talking about something that causes strong feelings of disgust or aversion, often used in a more severe or negative sense.

  • The repulsiveness of the spoiled food made me feel nauseous.

Examples of usage

  • The unsightliness of the old building was a stark contrast to the modern architecture surrounding it.
  • Despite its unsightliness, the sculpture had a certain charm that captivated viewers.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

  • The word comes from the prefix 'un-', meaning 'not', combined with 'sight', indicating something not pleasant to see.
  • It originated in the 14th century, evolving from the Old English term 'sīhte', meaning appearance or vision.

Art and Aesthetics

  • In art, unsightliness can be used intentionally to provoke thought or convey deeper meanings, as seen in modern and contemporary styles.
  • Famous artists like Francis Bacon embraced unsightliness to explore themes of human suffering and existential dread.

Psychology

  • Research indicates that people's perceptions of beauty and unsightliness can be influenced by cultural backgrounds and personal experiences.
  • The mere exposure effect shows that individuals might find previously unsightly things more appealing over time as they become more familiar.

Urban Studies

  • In urban design, unsightliness often refers to neglected buildings or polluted areas, which can affect community morale and property values.
  • Cities around the world have initiatives aimed at reducing unsightliness by promoting green spaces and art in public places.

Environmental Science

  • Unsightliness in natural environments, such as waste or litter, can significantly impact wildlife and their ecosystems.
  • Efforts to combat pollution often focus on reducing visual unsightliness as a part of broader environmental campaigns.

Translations

Translations of the word "unsightliness" in other languages:

🇵🇹 feiúra

🇮🇳 कुरूपता

🇩🇪 Hässlichkeit

🇮🇩 keburukan

🇺🇦 потворність

🇵🇱 brzydota

🇯🇵 醜さ (minikusa)

🇫🇷 laideur

🇪🇸 fealdad

🇹🇷 çirkinlik

🇰🇷 추함 (chuham)

🇸🇦 البشاعة (al-bashāʻa)

🇨🇿 ošklivost

🇸🇰 škaredosť

🇨🇳 丑陋 (chǒulòu)

🇸🇮 grdota

🇮🇸 ljóti

🇰🇿 сұрықсыздық

🇬🇪 ურჩხულობა (urchxuloba)

🇦🇿 çirkinlik

🇲🇽 fealdad