Word
ugliness
Phoneticsug·li·ness, stress on the first syllable
US/ˈəɡɫinəs/
UK/ˈʌɡlinəs/
Definition
n. the quality of being unattractive or unpleasant to look at. It can also describe something that is morally bad or cruel.
n. the quality of being unattractive or aesthetically displeasing; also used to describe moral or social repulsiveness.
Examples
“The ugliness of the old building surprised everyone.”
“The politician's ugliness was not just physical but also reflected in his cruel treatment of the poor.”
“The novel explores the ugliness of human nature through the lens of a small village where every character is defined by their own selfish desires.”
Examples
simple
“The ugliness of the old building surprised everyone.”
contextual
“The politician's ugliness was not just physical but also reflected in his cruel treatment of the poor.”
complex
“The novel explores the ugliness of human nature through the lens of a small village where every character is defined by their own selfish desires.”
Etymology
From ugly + -ness.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Word family
NOUN
ADJECTIVE
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
- Frequency
- Occasional
- Level
- B2 · Upper Intermediate
- Updated
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QR code
englishreference.com/q/ugliness