unremarkable

USAGE SUMMARY

The word 'unremarkable' is a correct and commonly used term in written English.
It is typically used to describe something as ordinary, unimpressive, or lacking in interest or distinction. Example: "The film received mostly negative reviews and was deemed unremarkable by critics."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

At first glance, it's an unremarkable red brick warehouse, one of a handful on Chicago's west side that used to belong to Sears Roebuck, complete with roll-up aluminum doors.

The Guardian

We chewed over the usual unremarkable topics: The X Factor, future plans, idle gossip, the new Bond film.

The Guardian - Opinion

Anyone who envisages unconventionality in the first instance in sexual behaviour has a most unremarkable sort of mind.

The Guardian - Opinion

Anyone who envisages unconventionality in sexual behaviour has a most unremarkable sort of mind It's quite hard to find accounts of life in the suburbs that abandon the sneering tone.

The Guardian - Opinion

The film, in which Seth Rogen and James Franco are sent to assassinate Kim Jong-un, incurred the wrath of the North Korean authorities and was transformed from an otherwise unremarkable comedy into one of the most talked-about movies of 2014.

The Guardian

In another year, Ezra could have been celebrating best British male, and this is a nice if unremarkable live arrangement of his ubiquitous hit.

The Guardian - Music

Of course, the last Labour government should not have been running (an albeit small and historically unremarkable) deficit before the financial crash.

The Guardian - Opinion

It suggested he was an unremarkable young man – interested in flying and gadgets, as befits a pilot, as well as electronic music, discos and tenpin bowling.

The Guardian

The box, which rests on a patch of scrub, looks unremarkable.

The Guardian - Film

If there was a phone call it was so unremarkable I didn't mention it to anyone except Mr O'Farrell and Mr di Girolamo to complain about it," Pearce said.

The Guardian

To be gay in Uganda back then was a fairly unremarkable thing.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "unremarkable" when you want to downplay the significance or impact of something. It's effective in creating a sense of normalcy or lack of excitement.

Common error

Avoid using "unremarkable" excessively in your writing. Over-reliance on this word can make your text sound monotonous. Instead, vary your vocabulary with synonyms like "ordinary", "commonplace", or "average" to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The adjective "unremarkable" primarily functions to describe nouns, indicating a lack of distinction, memorability, or interest. It suggests that the subject is ordinary or commonplace. Ludwig AI also confirms its usage is correct and common.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

90%

Formal & Business

5%

Science

3%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

1%

Wiki

0.5%

Social Media

0.5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the adjective "unremarkable" serves to describe something as ordinary, lacking distinction, or not particularly noteworthy. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and common usage. It frequently appears in news and media contexts and maintains a neutral tone. While grammatically correct and widely understood, it's crucial to use it judiciously to avoid monotony in writing. Alternatives like "ordinary", "commonplace", and "average" offer nuanced ways to express similar ideas. By understanding its function, purpose, and appropriate contexts, writers can effectively employ "unremarkable" to convey a precise sense of ordinariness or lack of significance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

ordinary

Focuses on the commonness and typical nature of something.

unexceptional

Directly states the lack of exceptional qualities.

commonplace

Emphasizes the frequency and lack of uniqueness.

mundane

Highlights the boring and routine aspect.

run-of-the-mill

Implies something is average and not special.

average

Suggests a standard or typical level without distinction.

pedestrian

Conveys a lack of imagination or excitement.

forgettable

Implies a lack of memorability or impact.

nondescript

Focuses on a lack of distinguishing features or characteristics.

vanilla

Suggests a lack of excitement or originality.

FAQs

How can I use "unremarkable" in a sentence?

You can use "unremarkable" to describe something that is not particularly interesting or noteworthy. For example: "The movie was "unremarkable", and I quickly forgot about it after leaving the theater."

What words can I use instead of "unremarkable"?

Alternatives to "unremarkable" include "ordinary", "commonplace", "mundane", or "average", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

What's the difference between "unremarkable" and "insignificant"?

"Unremarkable" suggests a lack of distinction or interest, while "insignificant" implies a lack of importance or impact. Something "unremarkable" might simply be ordinary, whereas something insignificant has little or no consequence.

Is it better to describe something as "noteworthy" or "unremarkable"?

Whether to use "noteworthy" or "unremarkable" depends entirely on the context and your intended message. "Noteworthy" highlights something significant and worth mentioning, while "unremarkable" emphasizes the lack of anything special or interesting.