Unattractive

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "Unattractive" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something or someone that is not appealing or pleasing in appearance. Example: "The design of the building was considered unattractive by many critics."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It actually might be helped in such quest by the current oil supply shock, which drove prices down and made Brazilian ultra-deep-water oil unattractive.

The Guardian

Letwin told Thatcher: "You have an apparent dilemma: a sudden move to residence charges in England and Wales is too dangerous; but a gradual transition via a mixed tax is unattractive.

The Guardian

We drove to downtown Pyongyang, an unattractive showcase for the school of brutalist communist architecture – huge open spaces surrounded by imposing monuments, cold statues and ugly tower blocks all designed to make you, as an individual, feel very insignificant.

The Guardian - Travel

When the traditional Labour party is the alternative, the attraction diminishes and the unattractive aspects – including his Toryness – may even loom larger.

The Guardian - Opinion

Unattractive boots with excellent traction are traded for sexier boots with questionable soles.

The Guardian - Opinion

Combine that with the fact that advertising revenue simply isn't reliable enough to guarantee creators will break even on their series, never mind make a profit, and the format seems increasingly unattractive.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

He then criticised the election campaign: "Too often we stayed in our comfort zone and tried to play an unattractive game of them or us with the public.

The Guardian

I was stuck sharing it with six not unattractive women.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

When I was younger, I had such awful, poisonous things written about me: male critics likening me to unattractive animals, and suggesting I should be in a zoo.

The Guardian

It made for an unattractive spectacle.

The Guardian - Sport

Mr Gallagher thinks the social pressure to adopt a high moral tone produces an unattractive level of hypocrisy, stifling public debate on moral issues.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing something as "unattractive", be specific about what makes it so. Instead of simply stating something is "unattractive", explain the particular qualities that lead to that assessment. For example, instead of saying "The building is unattractive", try "The building is unattractive due to its dilapidated state and poor architectural design."

Common error

Avoid using "unattractive" as a vague descriptor. Provide specific details to support why something is considered unattractive. For instance, instead of saying "The job offer was unattractive", specify "The job offer was unattractive due to the low salary and limited opportunities for advancement."

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "unattractive" is as an adjective. It modifies nouns, describing them as lacking appeal, beauty, or desirability. As Ludwig AI confirms, it fits standard grammatical rules and is commonly used in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

58%

Formal & Business

28%

Science

14%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "unattractive" is a versatile adjective used to describe something lacking appeal or desirability. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and common usage, showing its frequent appearance in News & Media, Formal & Business, and Science contexts. While "unattractive" is a useful term, consider related alternatives like "unappealing" or "unsightly" to add nuance to your writing. When employing "unattractive", provide specific details to support the assessment and enhance clarity. By using it judiciously and with context, you can effectively convey a negative evaluation or judgment in various scenarios.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Unappealing

Similar to "unattractive", but slightly milder in its negative connotation, suggesting a lack of appeal rather than outright repulsiveness.

Unsightly

Focuses specifically on visual unattractiveness, implying an unpleasant or ugly appearance.

Repulsive

A stronger term than "unattractive", suggesting something that causes disgust or aversion.

Off-putting

Describes something that discourages or deters, often due to unpleasant qualities.

Plain

Indicates a lack of beauty or adornment, suggesting a simple or unremarkable appearance.

Ugly

A straightforward and common synonym for "unattractive", referring to a lack of aesthetic appeal.

Homely

Often used to describe someone with a plain or ordinary appearance, lacking conventional beauty.

Uninviting

Similar to unappealing, suggests a lack of warmth or attraction, making something seem unwelcoming.

Unalluring

Highlights the failure to entice or attract, focusing on the absence of charm or allure.

Displeasing

Indicates that something causes dissatisfaction or annoyance due to its unattractive qualities.

FAQs

How can I use "unattractive" in a sentence?

Use "unattractive" to describe something that lacks appeal or beauty. For example, "The old building was quite "unattractive"." or "The terms of the deal were "unattractive" to investors."

What are some alternatives to the word "unattractive"?

You can use alternatives such as "unappealing", "unsightly", or "homely" depending on the specific context and the nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say something is "very unattractive"?

Yes, it is grammatically correct. Using "very" before "unattractive" simply intensifies the adjective. However, consider using a stronger adjective like "repulsive" or "hideous" for a more impactful description.

What makes something "unattractive" versus "ugly"?

"Unattractive" is a more general term indicating a lack of appeal, while "ugly" specifically refers to a severe lack of aesthetic beauty, often implying something is visually displeasing or offensive.