unsightly

adjective

un·​sight·​ly ˌən-ˈsīt-lē How to pronounce unsightly (audio)
: not pleasing to the sight : not comely
an unsightly mess
unsightliness noun

Examples of unsightly in a Sentence

The cracks in the wall are unsightly. strip-mining leaves an unsightly gash in the landscape
Recent Examples on the Web Patients said in court documents that they were left with unsightly and unexpected scars and infections following surgery. Hannah Fry, Los Angeles Times, 1 Mar. 2024 Morrill’s comments suggest the Cybertruck is just attracting unsightly surface contamination, which also sounds like a problem. Bryan Hood, Robb Report, 22 Feb. 2024 That’s increasingly important to local governments throughout the Gulf of Mexico and Caribbean because the unsightly and rotting plants can drive tourists away and harm local economies. USA TODAY, 24 Jan. 2024 The finish is also coated in the same metal lacquer used on bulldozers to help fight off unsightly scratches and scuffs. Bryan Hood, Robb Report, 21 Feb. 2024 In a city where even speed humps can trigger dyspepsia, the prospect of reimagining the low-slung U street NW property — one everyone agrees is unsightly — is driving a fierce debate that’s devouring hours of public hearings and clogging up neighborhood email lists. Paul Schwartzman, Washington Post, 20 Feb. 2024 Not just an unsightly and smelly nuisance, mold is a potential health hazard that can require costly additional repairs if it’s not addressed properly and relatively quickly. Connor Sheets, Los Angeles Times, 10 Feb. 2024 Broken-plan layouts allow for privacy, noise and smell control, and help to hide unsightly mess. Sophie Flaxman, Better Homes & Gardens, 4 Jan. 2024 Besides that, a home filled with junk is unsightly, unsafe, unhealthy and unfriendly. Marni Jameson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 31 Jan. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'unsightly.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of unsightly was in the 15th century

Dictionary Entries Near unsightly

Cite this Entry

“Unsightly.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/unsightly. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

unsightly

adjective
un·​sight·​ly ˌən-ˈsīt-lē How to pronounce unsightly (audio)
ˈən-
: unpleasant to the sight : ugly
an unsightly scar
unsightliness noun

More from Merriam-Webster on unsightly

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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