unattractive

USAGE SUMMARY

'unattractive' is a correct and usable word in written English.
It means not appealing or lacking in attractiveness. Example: The man was physically unattractive, with unkempt hair and crooked teeth.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It actually might be helped in such quest by the current oil supply shock, which drove prices down and made Brazilian ultra-deep-water oil unattractive.

The Guardian

Letwin told Thatcher: "You have an apparent dilemma: a sudden move to residence charges in England and Wales is too dangerous; but a gradual transition via a mixed tax is unattractive.

The Guardian

We drove to downtown Pyongyang, an unattractive showcase for the school of brutalist communist architecture – huge open spaces surrounded by imposing monuments, cold statues and ugly tower blocks all designed to make you, as an individual, feel very insignificant.

The Guardian - Travel

When the traditional Labour party is the alternative, the attraction diminishes and the unattractive aspects – including his Toryness – may even loom larger.

The Guardian - Opinion

Unattractive boots with excellent traction are traded for sexier boots with questionable soles.

The Guardian - Opinion

Combine that with the fact that advertising revenue simply isn't reliable enough to guarantee creators will break even on their series, never mind make a profit, and the format seems increasingly unattractive.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

He then criticised the election campaign: "Too often we stayed in our comfort zone and tried to play an unattractive game of them or us with the public.

The Guardian

I was stuck sharing it with six not unattractive women.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

When I was younger, I had such awful, poisonous things written about me: male critics likening me to unattractive animals, and suggesting I should be in a zoo.

The Guardian

It made for an unattractive spectacle.

The Guardian - Sport

Mr Gallagher thinks the social pressure to adopt a high moral tone produces an unattractive level of hypocrisy, stifling public debate on moral issues.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing something as "unattractive", be specific about what makes it so. Instead of simply saying "The offer was unattractive", explain why: "The offer was unattractive due to the high interest rates and long repayment period."

Common error

While "unattractive" is versatile, avoid overuse in highly formal or business writing. Alternatives like "less appealing", "unfavorable", or "suboptimal" may convey the intended meaning more professionally, depending on the specific context.

Linguistic Context

The adjective "unattractive" functions primarily as a descriptive modifier. As Ludwig AI confirms, it indicates a lack of appeal or attractiveness, describing things that are not pleasing or desirable. Examples in Ludwig show its use with nouns like "oil", "spectacle", and "aspects".

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

46%

Formal & Business

29%

Science

13%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "unattractive" is a versatile adjective used to describe a lack of appeal or desirability. As Ludwig AI states, the word is both correct and usable in written English. With 62 real-world examples, Ludwig demonstrates it being commonly employed in News & Media and Formal & Business contexts. While the word is widely accepted, it's essential to consider more specific alternatives in certain formal contexts. Remember to specify what makes something "unattractive" for clarity and impact. The word offers broad applicability in writing with neutral formality.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

not appealing

Focuses on the lack of interest or desirability.

uninviting

Emphasizes a lack of warmth or welcome.

off-putting

Focuses on the capacity to deter or discourage.

repellent

Highlights the capacity to cause disgust or aversion.

rather ugly

Directly indicates a significant lack of aesthetic appeal.

unaesthetic

Specifically relates to a lack of beauty or artistic appeal.

not visually pleasing

Emphasizes the aspect of visual appeal.

plain-looking

Directly describes a lack of striking features.

homely

Mildly suggests plainness or lack of conventional beauty, especially in appearance.

deficient in charm

Highlights the lack of engaging or delightful qualities.

FAQs

How can I use "unattractive" in a sentence?

You can use "unattractive" to describe something that lacks physical appeal, such as "The building's design was "unattractive"". It can also describe something that is not appealing in a more abstract sense, for example: "The proposed deal was "unattractive" because of its high risks".

What are some synonyms for "unattractive"?

Some synonyms for "unattractive" include "unappealing", "uninviting", "repellent", and "off-putting". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is it appropriate to use "unattractive" in formal writing?

Yes, "unattractive" can be used in formal writing, but it's essential to consider the specific context and audience. In some cases, a more nuanced or professional term like "less appealing" or "suboptimal" may be more appropriate.

What makes something "unattractive"?

The reasons why something is considered "unattractive" can vary widely. It could be due to aesthetic qualities (e.g., an "unattractive" design), financial implications (e.g., an "unattractive" investment), or personal preferences (e.g., an "unattractive" personality).