eyesore

USAGE SUMMARY

"eyesore" is a perfectly correct word in written English.
It is typically used to refer to something like an ugly building or object that is unpleasant to look at and is often an annoyance. For example, "The abandoned building on the corner of my street is an eyesore."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Now some history that may please you less: it was Australia's 12th – and probably its most avowedly Anglophile and monarchist – PM, Sir Robert Menzies, who sidelined the monolithic monument from its pride of place in front of Old Parliament House because it was an eyesore.

The Guardian

The town of Stowmarket is bisected by the rail line, traversable in the centre via two level crossings or a concrete footbridge, a minor eyesore beside the listed Victorian station building, red brick with Dutch gables.

The Guardian

They are simply an eyesore, a trip hazard and a pox on society.

The Guardian

Osterath's residents reckon it will be a monstrous eyesore, and intend to stop it.

The Economist

The eyesore of migrant workers has met the crudest of remedies: they have been carted off.

The Economist

The "eyesore" of migrant workers has been abolished simply by carting them off.

The Economist

But for her, it was a daily eyesore and an invitation to further loutishness an Essex version of the "broken windows" of Brooklyn lore.

The Economist

Others simply find wind turbines ugly, an eyesore in any location.

The Economist

Even by the demanding standards of post-Soviet Moscow, "Peter" ranks as a major eyesore.

The Economist

Plastic bags are among the few items they cannot recycle.Waste first became a problem in cities, where it accumulated faster than it rotted away, creating an eyesore and a health hazard.

The Economist

WITH its giant refineries, Port Arthur, Texas, is an eyesore at the best of times.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "eyesore", consider the specific context. Is it a building, a landscape feature, or something else? Provide specific details to enhance the impact of your description.

Common error

While "eyesore" is widely understood, avoid overusing it in very informal or casual conversations. In such contexts, consider using more colloquial alternatives to maintain a natural tone.

Linguistic Context

The noun "eyesore" primarily functions as a descriptor for something considered extremely ugly or unpleasant to look at. Ludwig's examples confirm its frequent use in contexts where visual appeal is negatively impacted, whether referring to buildings, landscapes, or objects.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "eyesore" is a commonly used noun to describe something visually unpleasant or offensive. As Ludwig AI confirms, its grammatical usage is correct. Predominantly found in news and media, the term effectively conveys disapproval of aesthetic qualities. Consider the specific context when using "eyesore" and avoid overuse in very informal settings. Alternatives such as "unsightly object" or "blot on the landscape" can add nuance to your descriptions.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

ugly sight

A simple and direct way to describe something unpleasant to look at.

unsightly object

Focuses on the visual unattractiveness of a specific object.

aesthetically displeasing

A more formal and technical way to describe something unattractive.

blot on the landscape

Emphasizes the negative impact on the overall scenery or environment.

visual pollution

Draws attention to the negative impact on visual quality, similar to other forms of pollution.

scar on the environment

Highlights the damaging and unsightly effect on the natural world.

monstrosity

Suggests something extremely ugly or hideous.

disfigurement

Implies a marring or spoiling of something's appearance.

urban blight

Specifically refers to the decay and unattractiveness of urban areas.

an affront to good taste

Focuses on the offensive nature of the sight in terms of aesthetic standards.

FAQs

How can I use "eyesore" in a sentence?

You can use "eyesore" to describe something visually unpleasant or offensive. For example, "The abandoned factory is an "eyesore" in our neighborhood."

What can I say instead of "eyesore"?

You can use alternatives like "unsightly object", "blot on the landscape", or "ugly sight" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "eyesore" or "eye sore"?

"Eyesore" is a single word that means something visually unpleasant. "Eye sore" refers to a painful or irritated eye, a completely different meaning.

What's the difference between "eyesore" and "blemish"?

"Eyesore" typically refers to something large and visually offensive, like a building. "Blemish" usually describes a small imperfection or flaw.