unsightly feature

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "unsightly feature" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe an aspect of something that is unattractive or displeasing to the eye. Example: "The unsightly feature of the building's exterior detracts from its overall appeal."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Academia

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

60 human-written examples

I have interviewed many models and, without fail, when asked if they always knew they were beautiful, each of them has given me a look of mock horror before going on to list their unsightly features as a child: big feet, too tall, gawky features.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Choose sticks that are relatively straight and free of knobs, forks, or other unsightly features.

WikiHow

It does exactly what it says on the tin but its sleek, modern design makes it an attractive feature rather than an unsightly bathroom accessory.

The Guardian

But, in 1996, most of us chose to traipse down to town, find a travel agent that was open, queue up and then sit across a desk and watch a "holiday consultant" operate a huge computer terminal while you flick through glossy brochures featuring bright images airbrushed free of the unsightly building site that you half expected to be deposited next to.

The Guardian - Travel

"Not only will this TV look striking when hanging on a wall, the wireless feature clears the clutter of components and messy tangles of unsightly wires, allowing you to hide components away across the room".

TechCrunch

Proof that even the marque of the prancing horse has been stuck on some unsightly monsters in its time, this 1973 quirk from an increasingly desperate Ferrari design team featured twin radiators.

The Guardian - Sport

Jordan Meadows designed the Jeep Willys concept, drove it to the Derelicts gathering and spent the morning showing off the inventive features of his creation, such as gray and green tires that won't leave unsightly black marks on the ground when the truck goes off road.

Los Angeles Times

But for modern day ramblers it seems a more unsightly reminder of man's mortality and all-too-brief span is in danger of becoming a regular feature of the landscape.

Independent

Unsightly indeed.

Cornell University

Craniotomies provide unsightly sequels.

Revue de Stomatologie et de Chirurgie Maxillo-faciale

No unsightly turbines.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing something as having an "unsightly feature", be specific about what makes it unappealing to enhance the impact of your description.

Common error

Avoid using "unsightly" repeatedly in a single piece of writing. Instead, vary your vocabulary with synonyms like "unattractive", "unappealing", or more descriptive terms that capture the specific nature of the visual flaw.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "unsightly feature" functions primarily as a descriptive element, specifically an adjective-noun combination. As Ludwig AI explains, it denotes an aspect of something that is unattractive or displeasing to the eye. Examples from Ludwig illustrate its use in describing both physical appearances and abstract elements.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Academia

20%

Wiki

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "unsightly feature" is a grammatically sound and usable phrase for describing something visually unappealing. According to Ludwig AI, it's commonly used to highlight unattractive or displeasing elements. It appears most frequently in news and media contexts, with a neutral register suitable for both formal and informal writing. While several alternatives exist, such as "unattractive attribute" or "eyesore", the best choice depends on the specific nuance you wish to convey. The phrase's effectiveness lies in its directness and clarity in conveying a negative aesthetic judgment.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

unsightly blemish

Adding the word "unsightly" to "blemish" emphasizes the visual unpleasantness.

unaesthetic aspect

Replaces "unsightly" with "unaesthetic", maintaining a formal tone and focusing on the lack of aesthetic appeal.

unattractive attribute

Substitutes "unsightly" with "unattractive" and "feature" with "attribute", using more general terms.

unappealing characteristic

Replaces both "unsightly" and "feature" with synonyms that maintain a similar level of formality.

eyesore

Replaces the entire phrase with a single word, "eyesore", which directly denotes something unpleasant to look at.

displeasing aspect

Focuses on the subjective feeling of displeasure caused by the feature.

visually displeasing element

Uses a more descriptive phrase to convey the same meaning, highlighting the visual aspect of the unattractiveness.

off-putting quality

Highlights the negative effect the feature has on observers, suggesting it deters or repels.

blemish

A single word that suggests a flaw that detracts from appearance.

unlovely trait

Uses a more poetic or literary term for "unattractive" and "feature".

FAQs

How can I use "unsightly feature" in a sentence?

You can use "unsightly feature" to describe something that is visually unpleasant or unattractive. For example: "The "unsightly feature" of the building's exterior detracts from its overall appeal".

What are some alternatives to "unsightly feature"?

Alternatives include "unattractive attribute", "unaesthetic aspect", or simply "eyesore", depending on the context.

Is it appropriate to use "unsightly feature" in formal writing?

Yes, "unsightly feature" is appropriate for formal writing. While not overly sophisticated, it's a clear and professional way to describe something visually unappealing. You might also consider alternatives like "visually displeasing element" for added formality.

What makes something an "unsightly feature"?

An "unsightly feature" is any aspect of something that is considered unattractive or displeasing to the eye. This can be due to its appearance, condition, or how it fits in with the overall aesthetic of the object or environment.