Definition of Ugly
Ugly is an adjective that describes something or someone that is unpleasant in appearance, disagreeable, or repulsive. It can also refer to situations or behaviors that are unpleasant, undesirable, or morally offensive.
Synonyms of Ugly
Synonyms for ugly vary in strength and context. Below is a breakdown of synonyms categorized by their level of intensity:
Strongest Matches (Highly Intense and Pejorative)
- Hideous
- Grotesque
- Repulsive
- Horrid
- Monstrous
- Ghastly
- Gruesome
- Revolting
- Appalling
- Dreadful
Strong Matches (Moderately Intense)
- Unattractive
- Unsightly
- Unappealing
- Distasteful
- Homely (commonly used in American English)
- Frightful
- Off-putting
- Horrendous
- Disfigured
- Cringeworthy
Weak Matches (Mild and Subjective)
- Plain
- Rough-looking
- Unpleasant
- Awkward
- Messy
- Scruffy
- Ragged
- Blunt (in terms of unrefined aesthetic)
- Inharmonious
- Unrefined
Example Sentences Using Ugly
- The old mansion had an ugly facade, covered in cracks and moss.
- His ugly behavior at the party made everyone uncomfortable.
- The argument turned ugly, with both sides exchanging harsh words.
- That sweater is a bit ugly, but it looks cozy!
- The storm left behind an ugly trail of destruction.
Contextual Usage of Ugly
Ugly can be used in different contexts depending on the subject:
- Physical Appearance: “The building was ugly, with a chaotic design.”
- Personality & Behavior: “His ugly remarks hurt many people.”
- Situations & Events: “The protest turned ugly when violence broke out.”
- Objects & Art: “That sculpture is intentionally ugly to make a statement.”
Related Words and Concepts
- Antonyms: Beautiful, attractive, appealing, stunning, charming, elegant.
- Similar Concepts: Displeasing, unappealing, jarring, unpleasant, unflattering.
- Idioms & Phrases:
- “An ugly duckling” – Something or someone initially unappealing but later beautiful.
- “The ugly truth” – A harsh reality that is unpleasant to accept.
- “Turned ugly” – When a situation becomes bad or violent.
Additional Information
- Etymology: Derived from Old Norse uggligr, meaning “fearful or dreadful.”
- Cultural Sensitivity: Calling someone “ugly” is often considered rude and offensive. It is important to use words with care to avoid hurting others.
- Scientific Perspective: Beauty and ugliness are often subjective, influenced by cultural and evolutionary factors.
Disclaimer
This page is for educational and informational purposes only. The word ugly and its synonyms can carry negative connotations, and their usage should be considerate and context-appropriate. The interpretations and examples provided are general and may vary based on individual perspectives and cultural contexts.
