unappealing

adjective

ˌən-ə-ˈpē-liŋ How to pronounce unappealing (audio)
Definition of unappealingnext
as in ugly
unpleasant to look at an unappealing mess of dirt and trash in the corner of the room

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Example Sentences

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.
Recent Examples of unappealing Overdone themes or outdated materials like wood paneling can make a home feel cluttered and unappealing. — Timothy Dale, The Spruce, 26 Sep. 2026 To his credit, Pattinson loves to dig into unappealing characters. — Anne Thompson, IndieWire, 19 Aug. 2026 Because this onerous and not very lucrative work is unappealing to younger generations, the puesteros are an aging breed, with few lined up to replace them. — Ana Karina Zatarain, New Yorker, 15 Aug. 2026 The prospects can seem both abundant and astoundingly unappealing. — Faith Hill, The Atlantic, 14 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for unappealing
Recent Examples of Synonyms for unappealing
  1. ugly
  2. unpleasing
  3. hideous
  4. grotesque
  5. unattractive
Adjective
  • The warehouse retailer stock was one of just three Club names in the green in Thursday's ugly market.
    — Natasha Abellard, CNBC, 5 Nov. 2026
  • And not least because no amount of overuse can obscure the ugly origin of 2026’s favorite syntaxx.
    — Hillary Busis, Vanity Fair, 5 Nov. 2026
Definition of ugly
Adjective
  • The identity of the unpleasing Lindsay Marriott’s slayer has no pressing interest.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 23 July 2026
  • The remarks not only referred to the aesthetics of the game – tedious matches devoid of skillful merit that were unpleasing to watch.
    — Cesar R. Torres, The Conversation, 26 May 2026
Definition of unpleasing
Adjective
  • In his latest romp, corporate greed, lovable cows and hideous monsters converge in Richland, Ohio.
    — Sam Macdonald, Scientific American, 28 Oct. 2026
  • The greatest player in the world was reduced to the role of supporting actor by Stan Wawrinka, who delivered a masterclass of a performance in possibly the most hideous shorts ever seen on a tennis court.
    — Charlie Eccleshare, New York Times, 28 Oct. 2026
Definition of hideous
Adjective
  • The idea shows up in mythology—from Zeus transforming into every kind of animal to commit adultery to Psyche being warned that her new husband, Eros, would be grotesque—as well as in folklore and countless retellings of Beauty and the Beast.
    — Janelle Okwodu, Vogue, 26 Oct. 2026
  • The bell, sans artist, continues to mark the passage of time, ringing every hour over the pavilion and its guests, a grotesque altar to the ongoing Venetian apocalypse.
    — Tessa Solomon, ARTnews.com, 21 Oct. 2026
Definition of grotesque
Adjective
  • The Zagato design house has lent its skills to many an Aston Martin models over the years, and none of the cars created by the partnership have been unattractive by any stretch.
    — Will Sabel Courtney, Robb Report, 30 Oct. 2026
  • Sectarian violence made religious mobilization increasingly unattractive, while foreign occupation provoked an awareness of Iraqi nationhood.
    — Mansoor Moaddel, Foreign Affairs, 15 Oct. 2026
Definition of unattractive

Browse Nearby Words

unapparent
unappealing
unappeasable
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Unappealing.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/unappealing. Accessed 6 Nov. 2026.

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