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Definitions

ugly

[uhg-lee] / ˈʌg li /
ADJECTIVE
unattractive
Synonyms
STRONGEST
awful grisly grotesque hideous horrid unseemly unsightly
WEAK
animal appalling bad-looking beastly deformed disfigured foul frightful gross hard-featured homely ill-favored loathsome misshapen monstrous not much to look at plain repelling repugnant repulsive revolting unbeautiful uncomely uninviting unlovely unprepossessing
Antonyms
STRONGEST
attractive beautiful good-looking gorgeous handsome pretty
STRONG
lovely
ADJECTIVE
unpleasant, disagreeable
Synonyms
STRONGEST
dirty disgusting distasteful hideous horrid messy nasty shocking sordid terrible vile
WEAK
base despicable filthy foul frightful ignoble low low-down mean monstrous nauseous noisome objectionable odious offensive pesky repellent repugnant repulsive revolting scandalous servile sickening sorry troublesome troublous vexatious wicked wretched
Antonyms
STRONGEST
agreeable good kind nice pleasant pleasing
WEAK
delicate gentle lovely
ADJECTIVE
dangerous, threatening
Synonyms
STRONGEST
dark evil gloomy nasty ominous rough serious sinister vicious violent
WEAK
angry bellicose black cantankerous crabbed crabby disagreeable dour fell forbidding formidable glum grave grievous major malevolent menacing morose obnoxious pugnacious quarrelsome saturnine scowling spiteful sullen surly treacherous truculent wicked
Antonyms
STRONGEST
auspicious calm encouraging friendly mild
WEAK
safe

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

That job belongs to our military chaplains who must help our troops cope with the ugly realities of war without succumbing to the culture of death.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 9, 2026

“We’re both unafraid to be ugly and weird and strange,” Abbott added.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 8, 2026

“I know I am ugly on the outside, but I am still a good guy,” the man said to passersby.

From Salon • Apr. 6, 2026

It’s just a downer, an inappropriate introduction of ugly real-world truths.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 2, 2026

In her imaginary world of Mariposa, Natalie had turned the ugly, monstrous pythons into dragons and sent brave knights out to slay them.

From "Two Degrees" by Alan Gratz

Vocabulary lists containing ugly

"Growing Together" and "When I Grow Up"

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