ENGLISH
REFERENCE

unattractive

adj.
B1 Intermediate US //ˌənəˈtɹæktɪv// UK //ʌnɐtɹˈæktɪv// unattrac·tive

adj. not pleasant to look at or not appealing. You can use it to describe a person's appearance or a choice that does not seem like a good idea.

adj. lacking aesthetic appeal or desirable qualities. Often used to describe physical appearance or the lack of incentive in a proposal or situation.


SIMPLE

The old, grey building looked very unattractive.

CONTEXTUAL

The high interest rates made the loan offer unattractive to most small business owners.

COMPLEX

While the interior of the house was beautifully renovated, the overgrown garden and peeling exterior paint made the property unattractive to potential buyers.

Synonyms
Antonyms
Origin

From un- + attractive.

Usage

Typically used as a gradable adjective; often follows linking verbs like 'look', 'seem', or 'become'.

© 2026 English Reference