unlovely

adjective

un·​love·​ly ˌən-ˈləv-lē 

: not likable : disagreeable, unpleasant

unloveliness

ˌən-ˈləv-lē-nəs 

noun

Synonyms

• bad
• bitter
• disagreeable
• displeasing
• distasteful
• harsh
• icky
• nasty
• rotten
• sour
• uncongenial
• unpalatable
• unpleasant
• unpleasing
• unsavory
• unwelcome
• wicked
• yucky
• yukky

Examples of unlovely in a Sentence

Sunday night is often spoiled by the unlovely thought of having to go back to school or work the next morning.

an unlovely but efficient little machine

Recent Examples on the Web

In so doing, the state has taken a wholly worthwhile cause — the cause of individual choice — and sullied it with an unlovely combination of hypocrisy and two-bit protectionism. —The Editors, National Review, 7 May 2024

And this was something that goes by the very unlovely acronym of a BVLOS flight. —IEEE Spectrum, 17 Apr. 2024

The insights are persuasive, but the language is decidedly unlovely. —Maggie Doherty, The New Yorker, 15 Apr. 2024

And especially the heady years after reunification, when a global generation of designers and D.J.s reestablished the unlovely city as Europe’s beating heart. —Jason Farago, New York Times, 6 Apr. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

unlovely

adjective

un·​love·​ly ˌən-ˈləv-lē 

ˈən-

: having no charm or appeal : disagreeable

an unlovely story about betrayal