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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.

Enjoy the party, because it could get ugly when the music stops.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 4, 2026

When the footage emerged, the network decided to cancel her season, showcasing how ugly the altercation was behind all the legalese.

From Salon • Apr. 29, 2026

For all of us wondering when an ugly time will fade, the moment will resonate like a cautious, dawning hope.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 24, 2026

It's taking place against the volatile background of an ugly conflict in Iran and the wider Middle East, with a fragile ceasefire holding for now.

From BBC • Apr. 24, 2026

“It’s a micro-inscrutable skin-scrape from an ugly little pony. Irian”—and he put up a hand as if to shield himself from her look—“do not waste your energy making that face.”

From "Impossible Creatures" by Katherine Rundell

Vocabulary lists containing ugly

"Growing Together" and "When I Grow Up"

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