unattractive

adjective

un·​at·​trac·​tive ˌən-ə-ˈtrak-tiv How to pronounce unattractive (audio)
: not attractive : plain, dull
unattractively adverb
unattractiveness noun

Examples of unattractive in a Sentence

an unattractive, awkward baby bird
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.
The predominant flavors are salt and starch, unattractive in print but deeply comforting on a steaming spoon. Bradley Hohulin, The Indianapolis Star, 19 Feb. 2025 Despite the currently unattractive conference record, Moser’s ability to find diamonds in the rough has allowed Oklahoma to put itself squarely in the NCAA Tournament picture. Jim Root, The Athletic, 12 Feb. 2025 Faced with the unattractive alternative of continuing to fight without the assurance of further U.S. backing, Kyiv and its Western partners are now considering how to secure an acceptable deal with Moscow. Alexandra Prokopenko, Foreign Affairs, 21 Jan. 2025 And, second, a pruned crepe myrtle simply leaves you with unattractive stumps all winter long. Heather Bien, Southern Living, 21 Jan. 2025 See All Example Sentences for unattractive

Word History

First Known Use

1813, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of unattractive was in 1813

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Cite this Entry

“Unattractive.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/unattractive. Accessed 3 Mar. 2025.

Kids Definition

unattractive

adjective
un·​at·​trac·​tive -ˈtrak-tiv How to pronounce unattractive (audio)
: not attractive : plain
unattractively adverb
unattractiveness noun

More from Merriam-Webster on unattractive

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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