ugly appearance

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "ugly appearance" is correct and can be used in written English.
You can use it to describe an unpleasant physical appearance. For example, "The monster had an ugly appearance, with its sharp claws and frightening teeth."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

7 human-written examples

"Girls with an average or ugly appearance … hope to further their education in order to increase their competitiveness.

The Guardian - Books

Even when he seems to be a messy poet, and difficult to make cohere, I sense truth trying to make some grand, if ugly, appearance.

The New Yorker

The redesign of the Ferrari nose will be welcomed by those F1 purists dismayed by the ugly appearance of last year's car, and Domenicali was happy to deliver a positive endorsement of the new car's looks, saying: "It is more beautiful".

Independent

Take this uplifting column from March 2011 that ran just after International Women's Day: Pretty girls don't need a lot of education to marry into a rich and powerful family, but girls with an average or ugly appearance will find it difficult.

The New York Times

But girls with an average or ugly appearance will find it difficult" and "These girls hope to further their education in order to increase their competitiveness.

Wikipedia

It appears that the great chamber's ceiling was originally supposed to be open, looking up to the timbers with the trusses visible, but a mistake in the construction of the walls meant that one side of the chamber no longer fitted smoothly with the timbers, creating an ugly appearance; a plaster ceiling was then added to hide the error.

Wikipedia

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

53 human-written examples

"Ugly," as an adjective describing a "frightful or horrible" appearance, is older.

The New Yorker

How does ugly appear?

European Journal of Futures Research

She was intolerant of anything ugly, in appearance or design.

The New York Times

So in that spirit, what does the WRX offer to overcome its ugly duckling appearance?

Forbes

Appearance: Ugly, ill-thought-through logo.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a character or object, use "ugly appearance" to clearly convey a lack of aesthetic appeal. Be mindful of the emotional impact of this phrase, as it can be harsh.

Common error

Avoid using "ugly appearance" as a standalone critique without providing specific details. Instead of simply stating something has an "ugly appearance", describe why it's considered ugly. This adds depth and avoids shallow judgment.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "ugly appearance" functions as a noun phrase, where the adjective "ugly" modifies the noun "appearance". It serves to describe a specific quality or characteristic of something, namely its unattractiveness. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is acceptable in written English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

64%

Wiki

15%

Science

7%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "ugly appearance" is a grammatically correct and frequently used expression to describe something visually unappealing. Ludwig AI confirms its acceptability in written English. While the phrase is widely understood, it's important to use it judiciously, providing specific details rather than relying on subjective judgment. As observed from Ludwig examples, the phrase appears most commonly in News & Media contexts. When aiming for a more formal tone, alternatives like "aesthetically displeasing" might be preferable. Understanding the connotations and potential impact of this phrase allows for more effective and sensitive communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

unattractive look

Focuses on the visual aspect, implying a lack of appeal.

unsightly visage

More formal, highlighting the face's unpleasantness.

repulsive features

Emphasizes specific facial or bodily attributes that cause disgust.

unpleasant aesthetic

Shifts focus to the overall visual appeal rather than specific features.

aesthetically displeasing

More formal and academic, indicating a lack of beauty.

homely countenance

Implies plainness and lack of conventional beauty.

unlovely aspect

A softer way to describe an appearance that is not pleasing.

ill-favored features

An older, more literary way of saying unattractive.

poorly favored looks

Suggests nature did not bestow attractive qualities.

uncomely form

Refers to the overall shape or figure being unattractive.

FAQs

What does "ugly appearance" mean?

The phrase "ugly appearance" describes someone or something that is visually unattractive or displeasing. It suggests a lack of aesthetic appeal.

What can I say instead of "ugly appearance"?

You can use alternatives like "unattractive look", "unsightly visage", or "repulsive features" depending on the context.

Is it appropriate to use the phrase "ugly appearance" in formal writing?

While grammatically correct, "ugly appearance" can be perceived as harsh or subjective. In formal writing, consider using more objective and descriptive language to convey a lack of aesthetic appeal, such as "aesthetically displeasing".

How can I describe someone's appearance without using the word "ugly"?

Instead of saying someone has an "ugly appearance", focus on specific features or characteristics you find unattractive. For instance, you might describe their features as "ill-favored features", "unlovely aspect", or plain. Be mindful of being respectful and avoid making overly critical or judgemental statements.