unaesthetic

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "unaesthetic" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that is not visually appealing or lacks aesthetic value. Example: "The design of the building was criticized for being unaesthetic and out of place in the historic district."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

27 human-written examples

The unaesthetic pose that Russia has taken, by trying to sit on two chairs between the East and the West, has ceased to be tactfully not noticed.

The Economist

The photographs they took were provocative and often contained vulgar or unaesthetic subject matter.

Encyclopedia Britannica

A marathon, not a sprint The first modern Olympics were held in Athens in 1896, but still women were not allowed to enter (organiser Baron Pierre de Coubertin, below, thought the inclusion of the fairer sex would be "impractical, uninteresting, unaesthetic and incorrect").

Independent

He plays into all the worst stereotypes, with his surly po-face, his sexless unaesthetic, his narrow opinions on X Factor, One Direction, Taylor Swift and the importance in Our Troubled Times of proper songs, played on real instruments, crafted from the wood of integrity trees felled in the Forest Of Authenticity.

Independent

But the novel is narrated by Chris Carver, who is nothing if not ordinary, and I suspect that Kunzru is using his narrator to sink the reader into the unaesthetic here and now.

The New Yorker

There is a moment of aesthetic shock in Shore's unaesthetic photographs that comes when we say to ourselves, Oh, dear, it does look like that.

The New Yorker

The finale was unaesthetic and low-scoring, a reflection more of the Celtics' defensive tenacity than the Lakers' flash.

The New York Times - Sports

Raedecker seems very unaesthetic for someone who's supposed to be bringing aesthetic painting back into the limelight.

The Guardian

It was a moment worth savouring from an otherwise predictably unaesthetic game.

The Guardian - Sport

An impressive, if unaesthetic, defensive performance from West Bromwich Albion was rewarded by Salomón Rondón's glancing header to leave Crystal Palace wondering if 2016 really will be their annus horribilis.

The Guardian - Sport

Coubertin thought women's sport "the most unaesthetic sight human eyes could contemplate".

The Guardian - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "unaesthetic" when you want to sound more formal than simply saying something is "ugly" or "unattractive". It's particularly useful in professional contexts where a nuanced critique of aesthetics is required.

Common error

Avoid using "unaesthetic" when a simpler word like "ugly" or "unattractive" is more appropriate. "Unaesthetic" can sound pretentious or overly formal in casual conversations.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "unaesthetic" is as an adjective. It modifies nouns by describing them as lacking aesthetic qualities or being visually displeasing. Ludwig provides examples where "unaesthetic" describes objects, performances, and even abstract concepts, emphasizing its role in qualifying subjects based on their aesthetic value.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

78%

Encyclopedias

7%

Science

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "unaesthetic" is a grammatically sound adjective used to describe something lacking in aesthetic appeal. As Ludwig confirms, it's frequently found in News & Media and encyclopedic contexts. While "ugly" and "unattractive" are simpler alternatives, "unaesthetic" offers a more formal and nuanced critique. When writing, use "unaesthetic" to sound more sophisticated, but avoid over-formalizing casual conversations. Remember that the word expresses a subjective opinion on visual appearance, and it should be employed with precision to enhance your message.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

aesthetically displeasing

Emphasizes the lack of aesthetic quality, focusing on the displeasing aspect.

visually unappealing

Highlights the lack of visual appeal, directly addressing the sense of sight.

ugly

A simpler, more direct synonym for lacking beauty.

unattractive

Focuses on the lack of attractiveness or allure.

lacking beauty

Directly states the absence of beauty or aesthetic quality.

unpleasant to look at

A more descriptive phrase emphasizing the unpleasant visual experience.

unsightly

Emphasizes the unpleasant or offensive appearance.

plain

Implies a lack of ornamentation or visual interest.

not easy on the eye

An idiomatic expression conveying the idea that something is not visually pleasing.

homely

Suggests a lack of conventional beauty, often in a charming or endearing way (though can also be negative).

FAQs

How do you use "unaesthetic" in a sentence?

You can use "unaesthetic" to describe something that lacks visual appeal or is considered ugly. For example, "The building's design was criticized for being "unaesthetic" and out of place in the historic district".

What are some alternatives to the word "unaesthetic"?

Some alternatives to "unaesthetic" include "visually unappealing", "aesthetically displeasing", "ugly", or "unattractive". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is it correct to use "unaesthetic" in formal writing?

Yes, "unaesthetic" is appropriate for formal writing when you need a more sophisticated way to describe something that lacks aesthetic appeal. It's more nuanced than simply saying something is "ugly".

What is the difference between "unaesthetic" and "unattractive"?

"Unattractive" generally refers to a lack of appeal or charm, while "unaesthetic" specifically refers to a lack of visual appeal or beauty according to aesthetic principles. "Unaesthetic" is often used in discussions of art, design, or architecture.