ugly
/ˈʌɡli/
ADJECTIVE
1. Displeasing in physical appearance
Not attractive or pleasing to look at; lacking beauty or having an unpleasant shape, appearance, or design.
1.1. Physically unattractive
Describing a person, animal, object, or place whose physical appearance is unpleasant, unattractive, or lacking beauty.
Synonyms
- unattractive
- unsightly
- hideous
- homely
- unlovely
- unbeautiful
- uncomely
- ill-favored
- bad-looking
- unprepossessing
- grotesque
- repulsive
Antonyms
Examples
- Despite its practicality, some considered the new architecture to be ugly and out of place.
- The abandoned building stood as a testament to the ugly side of urban decay.
- The old furniture looked ugly against the newly decorated walls.
Related Words
ADJECTIVE
2. Displeasing to the senses
Causing an unpleasant reaction through sound, smell, taste, or another sensory experience.
2.1. Unpleasant or offensive to the senses
Describing a sound, smell, taste, or sensory experience that is harsh, disgusting, or unpleasant.
Synonyms
- disagreeable
- distasteful
- disgusting
- foul
- nauseating
- repulsive
- revolting
- offensive
- unpleasant
Antonyms
- pleasant
- agreeable
- delightful
- pleasing
- enjoyable
- dulcet
- sweet
Examples
- The kitchen was filled with an ugly smell after the food had spoiled.
- The machine produced an ugly noise that disturbed everyone nearby.
Related Words
ADJECTIVE
3. Morally offensive or unpleasant
Contrary to accepted moral standards; expressing cruelty, dishonesty, hostility, or other objectionable qualities.
3.1. Morally wrong or reprehensible
Describing behavior, actions, or attitudes that are cruel, wicked, dishonest, or deeply offensive to one's moral principles.
Synonyms
Antonyms
- good
- kind
- inoffensive
- wholesome
- acceptable
Examples
- The social media comments revealed the ugly reality of online harassment.
- The investigation exposed the ugly truth about the company's treatment of its workers.
Related Words
- malevolent
- malicious
- contemptible
- cruel
- depraved
3.2. Hostile or quarrelsome in behavior
Describing an ill-tempered, aggressive, or antagonistic attitude that creates conflict or makes interactions unpleasant.
Synonyms
- cantankerous
- crabby
- crabby
- quarrelsome
- surly
- bellicose
- pugnacious
- truculent
- ill-natured
- bad-tempered
Antonyms
Examples
- His ugly temper made it difficult for his colleagues to work with him.
- The meeting took an ugly turn when the participants began shouting at one another.
Related Words
- belligerent
- combative
- argumentative
- irritable
- hostile
ADJECTIVE
4. Unpleasant or threatening in circumstances
Likely to cause trouble, danger, conflict, or an undesirable outcome.
4.1. Threatening or likely to cause trouble
Describing a situation, development, or prospect that appears dangerous, difficult, or likely to result in conflict or harm.
Synonyms
- ominous
- menacing
- troublesome
- distressing
- disturbing
- dreadful
- serious
- unpleasant
- sinister
Antonyms
- auspicious
- encouraging
- promising
- favorable
- safe
- pleasant
Examples
- The argument took an ugly turn, with harsh words exchanged between friends.
- The negotiations became ugly when both sides refused to compromise.
- Dark clouds and falling temperatures suggested that the weather might take an ugly turn.
Related Words
NOUN
5. A person or thing that is ugly
An unattractive person or object; something regarded as physically displeasing.
5.1. An unattractive person or object
Used as a noun to refer to a person or thing considered physically unattractive or unpleasant to look at.
Synonyms
- eyesore
- monstrosity
- abomination
Examples
- The new construction was described as an ugly that spoiled the appearance of the neighborhood.