unremarkable appearance

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "unremarkable appearance" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe someone or something that does not stand out or is not particularly noteworthy in terms of looks. Example: "Despite his unremarkable appearance, he had a captivating personality that drew people in."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

5 human-written examples

At first glimpse, Mr. Pelly, 29, has an unremarkable appearance: slight in stature and weak of chin.

The New York Times

Iggy liked to think his deliberately unremarkable appearance — glasses, crew cut, plain clothes and average height and weight — cut the image of a no-talent noodle begging to be fleeced of his lunch money.

The New York Times - Sports

Unenhanced MDCT images (a, b) show Foley catheter still in place, seminal vesicle remnants more prominent on the right side (arrowhead in a), unremarkable appearance of the prostatic bed fat and levator muscle slings (arrows).

Insights into Imaging

But savvy Merkel's unremarkable appearance could well be a strategy for communicating to the German electorate that her time and head space is entirely dedicated to them, with no time wasted on grooming and shopping.

BBC

But there was perhaps a more symbolic aspect to Pa'nucci's unremarkable appearance that day, too.

Vice

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

Sojo is the only manager Venezuela has ever known in the Classic, and after relatively unremarkable appearances in 2006 (seventh place) and 2009 (third place), the pressure only ballooned this time.

The New York Times - Sports

Tall and unremarkable in appearance, he played a great range of characters throughout his long career.

Encyclopedia Britannica

And because much of its urban growth has been rapid and recent, Monterrey is singularly unremarkable in appearance.

Britannica

He reached the semifinals for the first time with an overwhelming display, twice reeling off runs of three birdies in his match with the United States Open champion Ángel Cabrera, which he won easily, 3 and 2. In the afternoon, he defeated Justin Leonard, 4 and 2. Unassuming in demeanor and unremarkable in appearance, Cink should not be underestimated.

The New York Times - Sports

The ancient artifact is unremarkable in appearance.

HuffPost

The left ovary was unremarkable in appearance and an anatomical distortion of the right adnexa was appreciated.

BioMed Research International

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a character or object, use "unremarkable appearance" to subtly suggest ordinariness or a lack of striking qualities without resorting to overtly negative terms.

Common error

Avoid using "unremarkable appearance" excessively, as it can become repetitive and weaken your writing. Vary your descriptions by incorporating other descriptive words to paint a more vivid picture.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "unremarkable appearance" functions primarily as a descriptive noun phrase. It modifies a subject by indicating a lack of notable or striking visual characteristics. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, this phrase is grammatically sound and commonly used to portray a sense of ordinariness.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

30%

Encyclopedias

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "unremarkable appearance" is a grammatically correct and commonly used descriptive term that indicates a lack of distinctive or striking visual features. Ludwig AI confirms its acceptability and provides examples from sources spanning news, science, and encyclopedias. While not overly formal, its neutral register makes it versatile across various writing contexts. When using this phrase, consider alternatives such as "ordinary looks" or "average appearance" to avoid redundancy and ensure clarity. The goal is to effectively convey a sense of ordinariness without resorting to overly negative or repetitive language.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

ordinary looks

Focuses on the commonness and lack of special features in someone's looks.

average appearance

Highlights the typical or standard nature of the appearance, without standing out.

plain looks

Emphasizes the simplicity and lack of ornamentation or striking features in appearance.

common appearance

Indicates a widespread or frequently seen appearance, lacking uniqueness.

unexceptional looks

Stresses the absence of extraordinary or outstanding qualities in appearance.

typical appearance

Underscores the representativeness of the appearance, fitting into a standard category.

modest appearance

Highlights the understated and unpretentious nature of the appearance.

unnoticeable appearance

Focuses on the tendency of the appearance to blend in and not attract attention.

understated appearance

Emphasizes the subtle and low-key quality of the appearance, avoiding flamboyance.

forgettable looks

Highlights the lack of memorable or distinctive features in the appearance.

FAQs

What does "unremarkable appearance" mean?

The phrase "unremarkable appearance" describes someone or something whose appearance is not particularly noteworthy or striking; it blends in and doesn't stand out.

What can I say instead of "unremarkable appearance"?

You can use alternatives like "ordinary looks", "average appearance", or "plain appearance" depending on the context.

Is it better to say "unremarkable appearance" or "ordinary appearance"?

Both "unremarkable appearance" and "ordinary appearance" are valid, but "unremarkable" may carry a slightly more neutral connotation, while "ordinary" can sometimes imply something is common or even a bit boring.

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

You can use "unremarkable appearance" to describe someone or something like: "Despite his "unremarkable appearance", he possessed a sharp intellect" or "The building's "unremarkable appearance" belied its rich history".