Definition of ugly
uglier
;ugliest
2a : offensive to the sight : hideousb : offensive or unpleasant to any sense
3 : morally offensive or objectionable corruption—the ugliest stain of all
4a : likely to cause inconvenience or discomfort the ugly truthb : surly, quarrelsome an ugly disposition
Explore M-W
Examples of ugly in a Sentence
an ugly shade of green
They avoided what could have been an ugly situation.
He has an ugly disposition.
Origin and Etymology of ugly
Middle English, from Old Norse uggligr, from uggr fear; akin to Old Norse ugga to fear
ugly
Definition of ugly
: in an ugly manner was acting ugly
First Known Use of ugly
14th century
UGLY Defined for English Language Learners
ugly
playDefinition of ugly for English Language Learners
-
: unpleasant to look at : not pretty or attractive
-
: unpleasant to hear
-
: offensive or disgusting
UGLY Defined for Kids
ugly
playDefinition of ugly for Students
uglier
;ugliest
1 : unpleasant to look at : not attractive He was an ugly dog, but already, I loved him with all my heart. — Kate DiCamillo, Because of Winn-Dixie
2 : 1offensive 1 ugly habits
3 : likely to cause bother or discomfort : troublesome an ugly situation
4 : showing a mean or quarrelsome disposition an ugly temper
ugliness
nounLearn More about ugly
-
See words that rhyme with ugly Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for ugly Spanish Central: Translation of ugly Nglish: Translation of ugly for Spanish speakers Britannica English: Translation of ugly for Arabic speakers
Seen and Heard
What made you want to look up ugly? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).
Writing? Check your grammar now!