unvocal

[ uhn-voh-kuhl ]

adjective

1. not outspoken; reserved; not eloquent in speech; inarticulate.
2. not mellifluous, as the speaking voice.
3. not melodious; unmusical:

   unvocal attempts at writing art songs.

Word History and Origins

Origin of unvocal¹

First recorded in 1765–75; un- ¹ + vocal

Example Sentences

The change in public opinion is strikingly illustrated in regard to the songs, which, once voted ineffective and unvocal, have now taken a place in every eminent singer’s repertory.

From Project Gutenberg

Personally, I admire them very much, but they seem unvocal, and Italy is nothing if not vocal.

From Project Gutenberg

The English are the worst enunciators of all European peoples, and their custom is to lay the blame on the language, than which none other is deemed by them so unvocal.

From Project Gutenberg

Jerky approximations quickly end In void unvocal chasms.

From Project Gutenberg

The Unvocal piety, with the uncomplaining sorrow, of Man, may have had a somewhat wider range, for aught we know: but history disregards those items; and of firmly proclaimed and sweetly canorous religion, there really seemed at that juncture none to be reckoned upon, east of Ingleborough, or north of Criffel.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• disjointed
• incomprehensible
• incongruous
• irrational
• jumbled
• muddled
• puzzling
• rambling
• uneven