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Unsightly Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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unsightly

[ʌnˈsaɪtli ]

Definition

Context #1 | Adjective

appearance

Unpleasant or unattractive to look at; not visually appealing.

Synonyms

ugly, unappealing, unpleasant.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
unsightly

Best used to describe something that is visually disturbing or offensive to look at, usually in a more formal or sophisticated context.

  • The graffiti on the ancient walls was quite unsightly.
  • He tried to cover the unsightly stain on his shirt.
ugly

A straightforward and commonly used term that can describe anything that looks very bad. It can be harsh and sometimes hurtful depending on the context. It can refer to both physical appearance and abstract concepts.

  • The house was old and ugly.
  • His behavior was truly ugly.
unpleasant

Applicable in both visual and non-visual contexts to describe something disagreeable or not enjoyable. It often has a broader scope than just appearance.

  • The smell in the room was quite unpleasant.
  • It was an unpleasant experience to wait in the long queue.
unappealing

Used to describe something that lacks attractiveness or interest. It is less harsh than 'ugly' and can be applied to situations beyond just visual appearance.

  • The meal looked unappealing, but it tasted great.
  • She found the job offer unappealing due to the low salary.

Examples of usage

  • The old abandoned building was covered in unsightly graffiti.
  • She tried to hide the unsightly stain on her shirt with a scarf.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Art and Aesthetics

  • In visual arts, what is deemed unsightly can provoke thought and challenge traditional beauty standards.
  • Some artists intentionally create unsightly art to evoke emotion or highlight societal issues, exemplifying art's subjective nature.
  • The term plays a significant role in discussions about urban design, where unsightly structures can influence community perceptions.

Psychology

  • People often associate unsightly objects with negative emotions, such as disgust or sadness.
  • Research shows that environments perceived as unsightly can impact mental well-being, causing stress or discomfort.
  • Cognitive bias can lead individuals to focus more on unsightly elements rather than appreciating positive aspects of their environment.

Pop Culture

  • In movies and television, characters might describe locations or people as unsightly to emphasize their feelings or judgments.
  • The concept of 'unsightly' appears in various comedy sketches, where exaggerated ugliness is played for laughs.
  • Fashion critics may use the term when discussing trends that deviate from mainstream beauty, often sparking heated debates.

Origin of 'unsightly'

Main points about word origin

  • The word comes from the Old English 'unsihht', where 'un-' means 'not' and 'sihht' means 'sight'.
  • The use of 'sight' in 'unsightly' connects to how we perceive things visually.
  • The earliest recorded use dates back to the 16th century, showing how long this term has been in use.

The word 'unsightly' originated in the late 16th century from the combination of 'un-' (meaning 'not') and 'sightly' (meaning 'pleasing to the sight'). Over time, it has been used to describe things that are visually unattractive or unpleasant.

See also: foresight, insight, nearsighted, oversight, sight, sighting, sightless, sightline, sights, sightseeing, sightseer, unsightliness.

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #18,834, this word belongs to specialized vocabulary. While not common in everyday speech, it enriches your ability to express complex ideas.