not as hideous

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "not as hideous" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to compare the degree of hideousness between two or more subjects, indicating that one is less hideous than the other. Example: "The new design is not as hideous as the previous version, making it more appealing to customers."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

Beverly's not as hideous as Jill in Nighty Night but she's relentless and domineering.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

And leading them down the bumpy corridor of Hollywood Boulevard, a soft-hearted Angeleno invariably looks around in despair, willing magic and glamour from the T-shirt stores and fast-food stands, hoping that certain buildings--the El Capitan, the Roosevelt--stand out more than they seem to, that the new entertainment center is not as hideous as first thought.

Los Angeles Times

Not as unlovable, not as hopeless, not as hideous.

Forbes

On days I think I look pretty (synonym for my skin is mostly clear) I will often post a selfie to Instagram to serve as a reminder that I am not as hideous as I imagine.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

Let's hope the play on the field is not quite as hideous as the trophy itself, which was an abomination.

The New York Times

However, your friend's hairstyle won't look as hideous as in the photo.

WikiHow

Will Keen isn't made to look as hideous as the text requires (he's just in need of pimple-aid) but he's a wonderfully plausible De Flores because he's so slippery: as he glides and gloats, his elongated vowels sound first sinister, then insinuating, and finally rather sexy.

The Guardian

Although not as common as a bridal freak-out, when it happens, it's a hideous experience for everybody working for that wedding.

Huffington Post

You don't need to ensure they look good by making your poor, hapless models look as hideous as possible.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Please tell me it's as hideous as it sounds.

The Guardian - Film

Bird-about-town Stephan is one of those not-quite-as-hideous brown ones.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When comparing appearances, use "not as hideous" to soften criticism and highlight a relative improvement. For example, "The updated design is "not as hideous" as the original version."

Common error

While "not as hideous" is acceptable in informal settings, more professional or formal contexts might benefit from alternatives like "less visually appealing" or "less attractive" to maintain a respectful tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "not as hideous" functions as a comparative adjective phrase. It's used to describe something by comparing its level of 'hideousness' to something else. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage, highlighting its role in expressing relative degrees of unattractiveness.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

80%

Wiki

12%

Science

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "not as hideous" serves as a comparative adjective phrase, effectively softening criticism by indicating a lesser degree of unattractiveness. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability. While primarily found in news and media contexts, its neutral register makes it suitable for general communication. When opting for alternatives in more formal settings, consider phrases like "less unattractive" or "less visually appealing". Using "not as hideous" correctly involves understanding its function as a relative comparison, ensuring a nuanced and appropriate tone in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

less hideous

Direct synonym, indicating a smaller degree of hideousness.

not so hideous

Similar in meaning, suggesting a slightly lower level of hideousness.

somewhat less hideous

Adds the qualifier "somewhat" to emphasize the reduced degree of hideousness.

slightly less hideous

Emphasizes a minimal difference in the degree of hideousness.

not as unattractive

Replaces "hideous" with a broader term for lack of attractiveness.

not nearly as hideous

Suggests a significant difference in the degree of hideousness.

not quite as ugly

Uses a more common synonym for "hideous", making it less formal.

nowhere near as hideous

Expresses a stronger contrast in the level of hideousness.

not as unpleasant to look at

Focuses on the visual aspect of being hideous, offering a more descriptive alternative.

not as awful

Uses a more general term, "awful", to convey a less specific form of unattractiveness.

FAQs

How can I use "not as hideous" in a sentence?

You can use "not as hideous" to compare the degree of unpleasantness or ugliness between two things. For example, "The new building is "not as hideous" as the old one."

What's a less informal way to say "not as hideous"?

Consider using phrases like "less unattractive", "less visually appealing", or "less displeasing to the eye" for more formal contexts. You could also consider "less hideous".

Is it correct to use "not as hideous" in formal writing?

While grammatically correct, "not as hideous" might be considered too informal or subjective for formal writing. Opt for more neutral and objective language.

What words are similar in meaning to "hideous"?

Synonyms for "hideous" include "ugly", "repulsive", "disgusting", "offensive", and "unattractive". Depending on the context, you could also use words like "awful" or "terrible".