unsightly

[ uhn-sahyt-lee ]

adjective

, un·sight·li·er, un·sight·li·est.

1. distasteful or unpleasant to look at:

   an unsightly wound; unsightly disorder.

   Synonyms: unattractive, disagreeable, ugly

   Antonyms: beautiful

unsightly

/ ʌnˈsaɪtlɪ /

adjective

1. unpleasant or unattractive to look at; ugly

Derived Forms

• unˈsightliness, noun

Other Words From

• un·sightli·ness noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of unsightly¹

late Middle English word dating back to 1375–1425; un- ¹, sightly

Example Sentences

The influx has raised the ire of many neighbors, who complain about unsightly tarps, trash raw sewage and crime, even as the camps are essential housing for thousands of people.

From Los Angeles Times

Patients said in court documents that they were left with unsightly and unexpected scars and infections following surgery.

From Los Angeles Times

Being bitten by a mosquito can result in an itchy, unsightly red bump and — depending on where you are — serious disease.

From Los Angeles Times

It’s been a busy few weeks in the news in so very many ways, including for science stories about creepy-crawlies and other unsightly animals that make most people—unfairly—recoil in horror.

From Slate

Once noticed and truly seen, invertebrates become far from unsightly.

From Slate

Related Words

• drab
• hideous
• ugly
• unattractive