it looks miserable

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it looks miserable" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe something that appears to be in a state of unhappiness, discomfort, or poor condition. Example: "The weather today is so gloomy; it looks miserable outside."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

Depicted in his role as minister of justice, he wears an impressively gemmed and starchy crown, but the face below it looks miserable.

The New York Times - Arts

This world, it looks miserable, but there is good people in it".

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

Despite it looking miserable enough that an explosive rocket blast might have vastly improved its day, I wasn't about to shoot that cow.

Vice

I take my passport to the airport; it has my face on it; I look miserable.

Vice

I wear my lanyard to work; it has my face on it; I look miserable.

Vice

But I am told that I look miserable.

The Guardian

Security has become a necessary reality for himself and his family, and he looks miserable about it.

The Guardian

It is little wonder, then, that when she is on the campaign trail Cindy McCain often looks miserable.

The New Yorker

She looks miserable.

The New York Times - Sports

Kate Winslet looks miserable.

The Guardian - Film

Everyone looks miserable, ground down.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase to describe a person's appearance, be mindful of potential insensitivity. Ensure the context warrants such an observation, focusing on external factors contributing to their look rather than intrinsic qualities. For example, "After running the marathon, he looked miserable."

Common error

Avoid using "it looks miserable" to express a personal feeling of misery directly. The phrase describes an observed appearance, not an internal state. Instead of saying "I look miserable", consider "I feel miserable" or "I am miserable".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it looks miserable" functions as a descriptive statement, where "looks" acts as a linking verb connecting the subject "it" to the adjective "miserable". Ludwig examples showcase its use to describe the appearance of people, places, and things.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "it looks miserable" is a grammatically sound and objectively descriptive way to express that something appears unhappy or in poor condition. While Ludwig AI confirms its correctness, it's important to use it with sensitivity, particularly when describing people. Alternatives like "it appears bleak" or "it seems depressing" can provide nuanced variations. Predominantly found in news and media contexts, the phrase serves to convey an observed state rather than a subjective feeling.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it appears bleak

This alternative focuses on the lack of positive prospects or hope.

it seems depressing

This alternative emphasizes the capacity of something to cause sadness.

it presents a sorry sight

This conveys the idea that something is not pleasant to view.

it exudes desolation

This option suggests a state of emptiness and ruin, often with emotional undertones.

it has a wretched appearance

This emphasizes the poor condition and unappealing nature of something.

it strikes a dismal figure

This option conveys a sense of gloom and dreariness.

it cuts a sorry figure

This phrase indicates that something has a sad or disappointing appearance.

it paints a bleak picture

This uses figurative language to describe a situation or image that is without hope.

it gives off a despondent vibe

This modern phrasing suggests a feeling of low spirits or loss of courage.

it radiates unhappiness

This option points to something emitting an aura of discontent or sorrow.

FAQs

How can I use "it looks miserable" in a sentence?

"It looks miserable" is used to describe the appearance of something as being unhappy or in poor condition. For example, "The weather today is so gloomy; "it looks miserable" outside."

What are some alternatives to saying "it looks miserable"?

You can use alternatives like "it appears bleak", "it seems depressing", or "it presents a sorry sight" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "it looks miserable" to describe a person?

Yes, but use caution. While grammatically correct, saying "it looks miserable" to describe a person might be considered insensitive. Focus on external factors if possible. For instance, "After working all night, "he looks tired"" is gentler than ""it looks miserable"".

What's the difference between "it looks miserable" and "it is miserable"?

"It looks miserable" describes the outward appearance. "It is miserable" suggests an inherent state of being. For example, "The old shack looks miserable" means its appearance is poor, whereas "This weather is miserable" implies the weather itself is causing discomfort or unhappiness.