unsightly

adjective

ˌən-ˈsīt-lē How to pronounce unsightly (audio)
Definition of unsightlynext
as in ugly
unpleasant to look at strip-mining leaves an unsightly gash in the landscape

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 unsightly 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 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 Jon Stewart took aim at the unsightly infestation of algae in the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool, questioning Donald Trump‘s inability to get the situation under control. — Emily Zemler, Rolling Stone, 23 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for unsightly
Recent Examples of Synonyms for unsightly
  1. ugly
  2. unpleasing
  3. hideous
  4. grotesque
Adjective
  • The animation is truly ugly, the characters moving at the framerate of a PowerPoint and looking less like the animals they’re supposed to be than weird hybrid troll creatures.
    — Wilson Chapman, IndieWire, 21 Aug. 2026
  • The wrong paint color, outdated furniture, and yes, even an ugly light fixture could be aging your home and (ugh) majorly cramping its style.
    — Stephanie Osmanski, Better Homes & Gardens, 21 Aug. 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
  • Illiteracy, and its centuries-long ongoing epidemic, is hideous.
    — Liza Lentini, SPIN, 21 July 2026
  • The ace endured a rocky start punctuated by a hideous 11-run blowup in Minnesota and has now been sidelined with a shoulder injury since April 26.
    — Mac Cerullo, Hartford Courant, 28 June 2026
Definition of hideous
Adjective
  • The bizarre and grotesque outcome is that the repressiveness of the state proves to be its own reward.
    — Alexandra Schwartz, New Yorker, 21 Aug. 2026
  • Midge's grotesque, defiant nature challenged societal norms, solidifying her as a pioneering and powerful figure in comics.
    — Rob Salkowitz, Forbes.com, 17 Aug. 2026
Definition of grotesque

Browse Nearby Words

unsightliness
unsightly
unsinkable
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Unsightly.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/unsightly. Accessed 24 Aug. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on unsightly

Nglish: Translation of unsightly for Spanish Speakers

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