unsightly

1 of 2

adjective

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

unsightliness

2 of 2

noun

un·​sightliness ¦ən+ How to pronounce unsightliness (audio)
: the quality or state of being unsightly

Synonyms of unsightly

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Adjective

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Examples of unsightly in a Sentence

Adjective 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.
Adjective
Red wine is notorious for leaving behind an unsightly discoloration in your favorite clothes, but the good news is that this stain doesn't have to stick around forever! — Ashlyn Needham, Southern Living, 13 July 2026 The unsightly mushroom could have corrupted her maids’ morals, or even their health. — Leah Hudson, Popular Science, 9 July 2026 Glass surfaces are nice to look at—until unsightly water marks mar the surface. — Caroline Lubinsky, Martha Stewart, 27 June 2026 The project has yet to start, a development failure that’s left an empty and unsightly lot in its wake. — George Avalos, Mercury News, 24 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for unsightly

Word History

First Known Use

Adjective

15th century, in the meaning defined above

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

Rhymes for unsightly

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Browse Nearby Words

unsightliness
unsightly
unsigned
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Cite this Entry

“Unsightly.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/unsightly. Accessed 5 Aug. 2026.

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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

Nglish: Translation of unsightly for Spanish Speakers

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