aesthetically displeasing

USAGE SUMMARY

"aesthetically displeasing" is correct and can be used in written English.
You can use it when referring to something that is not aesthetically pleasing, meaning there is something displeasing about its appearance. For example, "The garden was aesthetically displeasing, overrun with weeds and a jumble of mismatched flower pots."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

23 human-written examples

He planned to replace this ravaged and aesthetically displeasing woman.

The New Yorker

Houston's downtown district is boring and its neighbourhoods aesthetically displeasing.

The Economist

"I've always said containment is aesthetically displeasing but strategically sufficient," he once noted.

Independent

One is to have a party, when at the last minute you suddenly become aware of every imperfection, discoloration or aesthetically displeasing thing about your house.

The New York Times

Unfortunately, although these grafts survive transplantation more successfully and heal more rapidly than other types of grafts, they are aesthetically displeasing because their appearance differs markedly from that of normal skin.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Although Mr. Schlesinger can be scorching (of President Bill Clinton's fund-raising methods in 1996 he writes, "this may have been legal, but it is aesthetically displeasing and historically disgusting"), his language more often affects Jane Austen's sunny politesse.

The New York Times - Books

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

34 human-written examples

"Every property that has at some date been seen as aesthetically attractive in theories has at other times been judged as displeasing or aesthetically neutral," James W. McAllister, a philosopher of science, has observed.

The New Yorker

In addition, something can aesthetically please or displease by resemblance to something else that pleases or displeases for aesthetic reasons only, which is typically expressed by analogies or metaphors and which sometimes leads to the formation of aesthetic styles.

Philosophy of Technology and Engineering Sciences

An aesthetically pleasing room will make you happier than one that's displeasing.

WikiHow

Observe (or imagine) something displeasing.

WikiHow

When it was founded in 1991, says artistic co-director Stine Nilsen, "Some people were taken with it, but at the same time there were voices going 'Aesthetically, this is very displeasing' and 'They shouldn't be allowed'.

The Guardian - Music

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider your audience. While "aesthetically displeasing" is suitable for formal contexts, more casual language like "ugly" or "unattractive" may be more appropriate for informal settings.

Common error

Avoid using "aesthetically displeasing" in casual conversation or informal writing. It can sound pretentious or overly formal. Opt for simpler terms like "ugly" or "unattractive" instead.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "aesthetically displeasing" functions as an adjectival phrase, modifying a noun to describe something that is not pleasing in terms of its appearance or artistic quality. Ludwig shows this phrase used in various contexts to describe things ranging from buildings to personal appearance.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

52%

Science

28%

Encyclopedias

8%

Less common in

Wiki

4%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "aesthetically displeasing" is a grammatically correct and commonly used adjectival phrase to describe something unattractive or visually unappealing. Ludwig highlights its usage across News & Media, Science, and Encyclopedias, reflecting a formal to neutral register. While "aesthetically displeasing" is acceptable, simpler terms may be more appropriate in informal contexts. Ludwig's AI supports the validity of this phrase for use in written English. Remember to be specific about why something is "aesthetically displeasing" for maximum impact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

visually unappealing

Focuses specifically on the visual aspect, emphasizing a lack of appeal to the eyes.

unattractive to the eye

Highlights the subjective perception of unattractiveness.

ugly in appearance

Uses a more direct and common term, "ugly", to describe the appearance.

not visually pleasing

A straightforward and easily understandable way to express a lack of visual appeal.

unaesthetic

A more concise and formal way of saying "not aesthetic".

lacking aesthetic value

Emphasizes the absence of positive aesthetic qualities.

plain to the eye

Indicates a lack of visual interest or beauty.

visually jarring

Suggests a strong negative visual impact, implying a disruptive or unpleasant experience.

homely

Indicates a lack of physical attractiveness and elegance; simple and plain.

unlovely

A softer, more delicate way to express a lack of beauty or charm.

FAQs

How to use "aesthetically displeasing" in a sentence?

You can use "aesthetically displeasing" to describe something that is unattractive or visually unappealing. For example, "The mismatched furniture made the room "aesthetically displeasing"".

What can I say instead of "aesthetically displeasing"?

You can use alternatives like "visually unappealing", "unattractive", or "ugly" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "aesthetically displeasing" or "aesthetically unpleasing"?

"Aesthetically displeasing" is the more common and accepted phrasing. While "aesthetically unpleasing" is understandable, it is less frequently used and may sound awkward to some.

What's the difference between "aesthetically displeasing" and "ugly"?

"Aesthetically displeasing" is a more formal and nuanced way of saying something is not visually appealing. "Ugly" is a more direct and often harsher term.