Unsightliness Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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unsightliness

[ʌnˈsaɪtnəs ]

Definition

^{Context #1 | Noun}

appearance

The quality or state of being unsightly; ugliness.

Synonyms

repulsiveness, ugliness, unattractiveness.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

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.

Origin of 'unsightliness'

Main points about word origin

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.

The word 'unsightliness' is a combination of 'un-' (indicating negation) and 'sightliness' (from 'sightly', meaning pleasant to look at). It first appeared in the early 17th century, evolving from the Middle English word 'sightly' which meant 'pleasing to the sight'. Over time, 'unsightliness' has been used to describe the opposite of attractiveness or beauty.