sickly aspect

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "sickly aspect" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that appears unhealthy or weak in appearance, often referring to a person's physical condition or the look of an object or environment. Example: "The old house had a sickly aspect, with peeling paint and overgrown weeds surrounding it."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

BRITAIN'S public finances, once gratifyingly healthy, are regaining their more familiar sickly aspect.

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

Bright pinks can make you look sickly and washed out.

WikiHow

There is a sickly grin on his face.

The New York Times

It can, however, look pretty sickly.

Los Angeles Times

Even the public finances look a bit less sickly.

The Economist

Each will suffer the murderous wrath of a female demon whose sickly blue-gray pallor and long black tresses give her the aspect of a Butoh dancer gone goth; only Ms. Strickland's fate suggests Mr. Shimizu's talent at raising goose bumps.

The New York Times

The grown-up May, wearing a sickly smile, also relishes grossing people out with her graphic descriptions of the gorier aspects of her work.

The New York Times

So sickly!

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Very sickly.

The Guardian - Opinion

A sickly childhood.

Independent

Its economy is sickly.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "sickly aspect" to describe something that has a negative or unpleasant appearance suggesting poor health or decline. This phrase is particularly effective in formal writing or descriptive contexts where a more evocative term is desired.

Common error

Avoid using "sickly aspect" to describe something desirable or positive. The phrase inherently carries a negative connotation related to illness or decay.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "sickly aspect" functions as a descriptive adjective phrase modifying a noun. It adds a specific quality to the noun, indicating an unhealthy or unpleasant appearance. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "sickly aspect" is a descriptive adjective phrase used to denote an unhealthy or unpleasant appearance. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability. It's most frequently found in news and media contexts and carries a formal, neutral tone. When using this phrase, ensure it aligns with a negative connotation, avoiding its application in positive contexts. Related phrases include "unhealthy appearance" and "feeble look", offering alternative ways to express a similar meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

unhealthy appearance

Focuses on the appearance of being not healthy.

feeble look

Highlights the weakness and frailty in appearance.

wan complexion

Specifically refers to a pale and unhealthy skin tone.

pallid appearance

Emphasizes the lack of color and vitality in the appearance.

unwholesome air

Suggests an atmosphere or quality that is not conducive to good health or well-being.

weakened state

Indicates a condition of being physically or mentally weakened.

deteriorating condition

Focuses on the process of decline in health or quality.

declining health

Highlights the decreasing state of health.

failing health

Indicates that health is gradually diminishing.

poor condition

A general term referring to a state of being unwell or in disrepair.

FAQs

How can I use "sickly aspect" in a sentence?

You can use "sickly aspect" to describe something that appears unhealthy or weak. For example, "The old house had a "sickly aspect", with peeling paint and overgrown weeds surrounding it."

What words are similar to "sickly aspect"?

Similar phrases include "unhealthy appearance", "feeble look", or "wan complexion". All suggest a lack of vitality or health.

Is "sickly aspect" formal or informal?

"Sickly aspect" is generally considered a more formal and descriptive phrase, suitable for writing or situations where a more evocative term is desired. Simpler alternatives like "unhealthy appearance" may be more appropriate in informal contexts.

What's the difference between "sickly aspect" and "unhealthy appearance"?

While both phrases convey a sense of poor health, "sickly aspect" often implies a more noticeable or unpleasant manifestation of that condition. "Unhealthy appearance" is a more general term.