lacking aesthetic sense

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "lacking aesthetic sense" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe someone or something that does not have an appreciation for beauty or artistic quality. Example: "The design of the building was criticized for being lacking aesthetic sense, as it appeared dull and uninspired."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

60 human-written examples

The museum, it said, lacked "aesthetic appeal, organizational coherence, and the perception of substantive balance".

The New York Times - Arts

He had an astonishing aesthetic sense, which businesspeople almost always lack.

The New York Times

A readership not particularly endowed with education or good aesthetic sense will find its match and equilibrium with journalists who either lack one or the other or who are prepared to sacrifice them to the god of circulation.

The Guardian

The operational definitions of art, judgement and aesthetics suggest that Great Bowerbirds are artists and have an aesthetic sense.

Communicative and Integrative Biology

I mean frugal in the aesthetic sense.

Princeton University

How does it make aesthetic sense?

The New York Times - Arts

The doctor described her aesthetic sense as "classical".

The New York Times

He had a good aesthetic sense, and everyone appreciated it.

The New Yorker

Mr. Gates singled out Mr. Jobs intuitive aesthetic sense.

The New York Times - Tech

Which brings us back to Mr. Merritt's aesthetic sense.

The New York Times - Arts

Above all, both appeal to our aesthetic sense.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "lacking aesthetic sense" to describe situations where something demonstrably fails to meet accepted standards of beauty or artistic quality. For example, "The building's design was criticized for "lacking aesthetic sense" and being purely functional."

Common error

Be cautious when using "lacking aesthetic sense" in situations where beauty is purely subjective. Instead of stating someone "lacks aesthetic sense", describe their preferences more neutrally. For example, say 'They prefer minimalist designs' instead of 'They "lack aesthetic sense" for ornate styles'.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "lacking aesthetic sense" functions as an adjective phrase, modifying a noun to indicate a deficiency in artistic appreciation or visual appeal. Ludwig confirms that the phrase is usable in English.

Expression frequency: Missing

Frequent in

Science

0%

News & Media

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Science

0%

News & Media

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "lacking aesthetic sense" is a grammatically sound phrase used to describe a deficiency in artistic or visual appeal. Ludwig indicates its usability in English. While examples are limited, the phrase is generally acceptable and can be used in various contexts, though sensitivity is advised. Alternatives like "devoid of artistic taste" or "without visual appeal" may be preferable depending on the specific context. Avoid overuse in purely subjective scenarios. While it's a correct expression, remember to use it thoughtfully.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

unaesthetic

This is a direct synonym, simply meaning not aesthetic.

devoid of artistic taste

This alternative emphasizes the absence of any appreciation for artistic qualities.

deficient in artistic sensibility

This emphasizes the absence of a refined sensitivity towards art.

without visual appeal

This alternative focuses specifically on the absence of attractiveness or pleasing appearance.

visually unappealing

This highlights the lack of attractiveness from a visual perspective.

aesthetically unrefined

This suggests a lack of sophistication or polish in aesthetic judgment.

lacking visual harmony

This refers to a failure to create a visually balanced or pleasing composition.

unsightly

This term directly implies that something is unpleasant to look at.

without artistic merit

This suggests that something lacks value or significance in terms of art.

artistically barren

This emphasizes the emptiness or lack of creativity in an artistic context.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "lacking aesthetic sense"?

You can use alternatives like "devoid of artistic taste", "without visual appeal", or "aesthetically unrefined" depending on the specific context.

Is it appropriate to say someone "lacks aesthetic sense"?

While grammatically correct, it's often more polite to describe their preferences rather than imply a deficiency. For example, instead of saying someone "lacks aesthetic sense", you could say they "prefer simpler designs".

What does it mean when something is described as "lacking aesthetic sense"?

It means that the object or creation does not possess qualities that are considered visually pleasing or artistically valuable. It suggests a deficiency in beauty, harmony, or artistic merit.

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "lacking aesthetic sense"?

It's appropriate when objectively assessing something's visual or artistic qualities, particularly when those qualities are demonstrably poor. For example, you might say a poorly designed building is "lacking aesthetic sense".