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Examples of ugly duckling in a Sentence
The house is an ugly duckling, but it has a lot of potential.
Recent Examples on the Web
The brand — once scorned as the convenient but ugly duckling of the footwear world — is also enjoying endorsements from celebrities and high-profile fashion houses; even fashion bible Vogue has attempted to advise on how to wear the resin shoes.
—Byeleanor Pringle, Fortune, 6 Oct. 2023
Kale At some point in recent history, kale went from ugly duckling to prom queen and is now so trendy it may be officially headed for a backlash.
—Treehugger Editors, Treehugger, 7 Sep. 2023
There was no ‘ugly duckling’ period.
—Christopher Arnott, courant.com, 14 Feb. 2022
And keep in mind the ugly duckling rule too.
—Paige Stables, Allure, 25 May 2021
See all Example Sentences for ugly duckling
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'ugly duckling.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Word History
Etymology
The Ugly Duckling, story by Hans Christian Andersen
First Known Use
1869, in the meaning defined above
Dictionary Entries Near ugly duckling
Cite this Entry
“Ugly duckling.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/ugly%20duckling. Accessed 31 Oct. 2024.
Kids Definition
ugly duckling
noun
: a person or thing that seems unpromising but later develops great beauty, talent, or worth
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