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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
It’s been especially unsightly for the two youngest starters — Christian Braun (33.3 percent) has been bricky and Michael Porter Jr. looks completely lost on both ends of the floor versus OKC’s wings. Steven Louis Goldstein, New York Times, 15 May 2025 Two separate kitchens are ideal for this sort of beach property: the prep kitchen has been done up by Boffi and is ideal for making unsightly messes and entertaining large groups, while the family kitchen sports Gaggenau appliances and a natural stone island for gathering round. Tori Latham, Robb Report, 13 May 2025 Newsletter Sign up for our email newsletter for the latest science news Vultures are often seen as unsightly outcasts in the animal kingdom, yet their dirty work is needed to keep ecosystems healthy. Jack Knudson, Discover Magazine, 9 May 2025 Most renovation pruning calls for removing the entire branch rather than clipping off a portion because the latter encourages vigorous new growth that crowds the canopy, looks unsightly, and reduces flowering and fruiting. Luke Miller, Better Homes & Gardens, 4 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for unsightly

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

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Cite this Entry

“Unsightly.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/unsightly. Accessed 23 May. 2025.

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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