unattractive appearance

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "unattractive appearance" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe someone or something that does not have an appealing look or aesthetic quality. Example: "Despite his kind personality, many people were put off by his unattractive appearance."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

7 human-written examples

Ill health, unattractive appearance, clumsiness of manner, and coarseness of taste did not recommend him for a public life.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The reality is that too many cosmetic surgery procedures lead to an unnatural, unattractive appearance.

Huffington Post

That is, they are treated with prejudice because of their unattractive appearance.

Huffington Post

How is it possible that Twitter could think that the c-word could be more hurtful than a series of tweets that my childhood abuser must have been a desperate man because of my unattractive appearance?

Huffington Post

Although nutritive value and flavour is not affected by FD, the unattractive appearance of the fruit results in consumer dissatisfaction and reduced prices, which can lead to severe market losses [ 3, 4].

BMC Plant Biology

Comments collected for the purpose of improving the service indicated a lack of familiarity with the vocal reminders and other phone functions as well as with the emergency button (too sensitive, unattractive appearance).

Health and Quality of Life Outcomes

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

51 human-written examples

Day didn't actually think she was unattractive: Her appearance was mostly passable, and sometimes even exceeded that.

Vice

Some studies have identified reasons for non-use, such as: cost [ 5, 9], lack of perceived need [ 5] lack of awareness in the community [ 9] and being unattractive in appearance [ 10].

BMC Geriatrics

He was short, stocky and, with his pockmarked face and unkempt appearance, unattractive.

The New York Times - Arts

McChrystal, by the way, has a cameo appearance — an unattractive one — in Jon Krakauer's new book on Pat Tillman, the Arizona Cardinals safety who quit football to join the Army Rangers.

The New Yorker

Do not bathe too close to show day as it will not give the rats natural skin oils a chance to get back on the fur which may give the coat an unattractive dull or wispy appearance.

WikiHow

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the context when using the phrase "unattractive appearance"; avoid using it in situations where tact and sensitivity are required. Choose a more neutral term if necessary.

Common error

Avoid using "unattractive appearance" in contexts where it could be considered insensitive or hurtful. Instead, consider focusing on specific details or using more objective language to describe the appearance without making a direct judgment.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "unattractive appearance" functions primarily as a descriptive element, often modifying nouns to indicate a lack of aesthetic appeal. Ludwig examples show its use in describing both people and objects. It serves to add detail and nuance to the description.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Wiki

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

10%

Formal & Business

5%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "unattractive appearance" is a grammatically correct and usable way to describe something lacking visual appeal. As confirmed by Ludwig, its usage spans various contexts, but it's most prevalent in news and media and scientific sources. While not overly formal, the phrase maintains a neutral tone, making it suitable for a range of writing styles. When using this phrase, consider the context and aim for specificity in your descriptions to avoid insensitivity. Alternatives like "unappealing look" or "plain appearance" offer similar meanings with slightly different nuances.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

unappealing look

Focuses on the general lack of appeal in visual presentation.

unsightly aspect

Emphasizes the unpleasant or offensive nature of the appearance.

unattractive visage

A more formal way of saying "unattractive appearance", mostly referring to the face.

unaesthetic visage

Uses a more formal tone to describe an appearance lacking beauty.

unlovely aspect

Emphasizes the lack of loveliness in the way something appears.

homely looks

Implies a plain or ordinary appearance, often lacking in conventional attractiveness.

plain appearance

Describes an appearance that is simple and lacks embellishment or attractiveness.

unhandsome look

More specific to males, indicating a lack of conventionally handsome features.

bad appearance

A simple and direct way of stating that something's appearance is not good.

deficient in beauty

Highlights the lack of beauty, often in a delicate manner.

FAQs

How can I use "unattractive appearance" in a sentence?

You can use "unattractive appearance" to describe someone or something that lacks visual appeal. For example, "The fruit's bruised skin gave it an unattractive appearance."

What are some alternatives to "unattractive appearance"?

Alternatives include "unappealing look", "unsightly aspect", or "plain appearance" depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

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

While grammatically correct, "unattractive appearance" might be considered too direct in some formal contexts. Consider using a more nuanced term like "less aesthetically pleasing" or focusing on specific characteristics instead.

What's the difference between "unattractive appearance" and "ugly appearance"?

"Ugly appearance" is a stronger, more negative term than "unattractive appearance". "Unattractive" suggests a lack of appeal, while "ugly" implies repulsiveness or offensiveness.