it looks unappealing

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it looks unappealing" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe something that does not attract interest or is visually unattractive. Example: "The dish was beautifully presented, but the color combination made it look unappealing."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Food

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

60 human-written examples

Avocado on rye toast has become a hipster obsession mainly because it is so much more aesthetically pleasing than, say, poached eggs on toast (delicious to eat, but looks unappealing on camera).

The Guardian

The survivors will get the spoils, but the booty looks unappealing.

The Economist

With Pakistan's myriad economic and political problems, and the urgent need to focus military resources on the Islamist insurgency, the prospect of power looks unappealing.

The Economist

Gulf Canada's stock has been hit hard in the last month as the company's high debt load looks unappealing in light of falling oil prices.

The New York Times

Make sure you get rid of those smelly gym clothes, rotten tuna fish sandwiches, mold, and anything else that looks unappealing.

WikiHow

Mr. Broadhurst said he wasn't quite sure what went wrong, although he did wonder whether the fish, with its pale green coating and pale green sauce, looked unappealing on the laminated multipage menu, especially next to the sundaes and pies covered in whipped cream.

The New York Times - Food

Though he was ambivalent and contorted on Russia, undemocratic communism looked unappealing to his Fabian mind.

The Guardian - Books

The S.E.C. spiced its complaint with slices of e-mail messages that certainly make both Tourre and Goldman look unappealing.

The New York Times

So even though the country might look unappealing on the basis of costs alone, those that give more weight to its other benefits will find it highly attractive.

Harvard Business Review

"My partner's aunt was responding to criticism from other family members that her nails looked unappealing.

Vice

Too much makeup will make you look unappealing instead of gorgeous.

WikiHow

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "it looks unappealing", consider the context and audience. In formal settings, you might opt for a more sophisticated synonym like "it appears unattractive".

Common error

Avoid using "it looks unappealing" excessively in formal documents or academic papers. Instead, use precise and descriptive language to convey the specific reasons why something is unattractive or undesirable.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it looks unappealing" functions as a subjective assessment, expressing an opinion about the visual attractiveness of something. As Ludwig AI states, it describes something that doesn't attract interest or is visually unattractive.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

46%

Wiki

25%

Food

3%

Less common in

Science

8%

Formal & Business

8%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "it looks unappealing" is a grammatically sound and commonly used expression to convey that something has an unattractive appearance. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability. While frequently found in news and media, as well as wiki contexts, it's crucial to consider the setting and opt for more sophisticated synonyms in formal or academic writing. Remember that, while perfectly correct and accepted, there are several alternatives that may serve you best based on different contexts like "it appears unattractive" or "it presents poorly".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it looks unattractive

Similar to the original, but uses "unattractive" directly, highlighting a lack of appeal.

it's not attractive

This is a simpler and more direct way of saying something looks unappealing.

it isn't visually appealing

This alternative directly addresses the visual aspect, stating that something lacks visual appeal.

it appears unattractive

This alternative is a more formal way of saying something looks unappealing, emphasizing its lack of attractiveness.

it seems off-putting

This alternative emphasizes that something discourages or repels interest.

it seems uninviting

Similar to the previous suggestion, it highlights the lack of an appealing or welcoming quality.

it seems undesirable

This alternative shifts the focus from appearance to the overall negative impression something creates.

it doesn't look inviting

This alternative suggests a lack of warmth or welcome in appearance.

it presents poorly

This alternative focuses on the presentation aspect, suggesting something doesn't make a good impression.

it has a displeasing appearance

This option is a more descriptive and formal way to express that something looks unappealing.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "it looks unappealing" to sound more professional?

For a more professional tone, consider alternatives such as "it appears unattractive", "it presents poorly", or "it seems undesirable" depending on the context.

What is the difference between saying "it looks unappealing" and "it is unappealing"?

"It looks unappealing" focuses specifically on the visual aspect, while "it is unappealing" is a broader statement about overall undesirability. The first refers to appearance, the second to general qualities.

In what situations is it appropriate to use the phrase "it looks unappealing"?

The phrase "it looks unappealing" is suitable for informal conversations, reviews, or descriptions where you want to express that something's appearance is unattractive or off-putting. Be mindful of your audience and adjust your language for professional settings.

Are there specific words that often accompany "it looks unappealing"?

Common words used alongside "it looks unappealing" include adjectives like "quite", "rather", "pretty", or adverbs indicating the degree of unattractiveness. Examples: "it looks rather unappealing" or "it looks pretty unappealing".