not very sexy

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "not very sexy" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that is not appealing, attractive, or exciting, often in a humorous or informal context.
Example: "The new office design is functional, but honestly, it's just not very sexy."
Alternatives: "not very appealing" or "lacking excitement".

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

34 human-written examples

That's not very sexy.

Independent

Not very sexy".

The Guardian - Books

It's not very sexy, either.

The Guardian

That's not very sexy now, is it?

The New York Times - Sports

Pardonez moi? Er, c'est not very sexy, non?

The Guardian - Music

"Some say it's not very sexy that you are the ones closing Iraq down.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

23 human-written examples

It occasionally uncovers interesting genealogical nuggets, but the search for them isn't very sexy.

The New York Times - Arts

"Small-scale rural touring isn't very sexy to patrons," says Gillian Hambleton, the artistic director.

The Economist

Of course he isn't very sexy, so he's not going to be anyone's "heartthrob" or "honey".

The Economist

It ain't very sexy; it's mostly people sitting in chairs listening to presentations from other people.

The New York Times

This separate, unequal access to the evidence may stir outrage in the real world, but since the image of two people working in offices isn't very sexy, the movie soon shifts into thriller mode.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "not very sexy" to inject humor or understatement when describing something that lacks appeal or excitement. It's effective in informal contexts to soften criticism.

Common error

Avoid using "not very sexy" in formal or professional settings, as it can be perceived as inappropriate or unprofessional. Opt for more neutral alternatives like "unappealing" or "uninspiring" in such situations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "not very sexy" functions as a descriptive adjective phrase, modifying a noun to indicate a lack of attractiveness or appeal. Ludwig confirms its grammatical correctness.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Wiki

15%

Science

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "not very sexy" is a grammatically sound and commonly used adjective phrase that conveys a lack of attractiveness or excitement. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is best suited for informal contexts. While it appears in news and media sources, it's advisable to avoid it in formal or professional settings, opting for more neutral alternatives such as "unappealing" or "uninspiring". The phrase's strength lies in its ability to inject humor or understatement into descriptions of things that simply aren't very exciting.

Alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

not particularly appealing

Emphasizes the lack of attractiveness or desirability.

lacking in allure

Highlights the absence of charm or attractiveness.

not especially attractive

Focuses on the absence of physical or aesthetic appeal.

somewhat unappealing

Suggests a mild lack of attractiveness.

uninspiring

Indicates a lack of excitement or motivation.

not very glamorous

Highlights the absence of luxury or sophistication.

More alternative expressions

not very exciting

not very sweet

not very smart

not very many

not very nice

not very critical

not very successful

not very abundant

not very forthcoming

not very big

not very reliable

not very hot

not very pleasant

not very friendly

not very crucial

not very practical

not very attractive

not very impressive

not very serious

not very clear

FAQs

What does "not very sexy" mean?

The phrase "not very sexy" is an informal way of saying something is not appealing, attractive, or exciting. It's often used humorously.

When is it appropriate to use "not very sexy"?

It's appropriate in casual conversations, informal writing, or when trying to add a touch of humor. Avoid it in formal or professional contexts.

What can I say instead of "not very sexy"?

You can use alternatives like "not particularly appealing", "uninspiring", or "rather dull" depending on the context.

Is "not very sexy" grammatically correct?

Yes, "not very sexy" is grammatically correct and a common expression in English, as confirmed by Ludwig.