17 Other Ways to Say UGLY | Ugly Synonyms (Examples)

You often want a softer, kinder, or even more dramatic word than "ugly," and that is exactly why finding simple and useful alternatives matters. You might be describing a place, a design, or even a character in a story. You need words that feel natural and still paint the picture you want. This list gives you clear, friendly options you can use with confidence. You will enjoy exploring these choices.

17 Different Ways to Say UGLY: Another Word for Ugly

Unattractive

This word works well when you want a gentle and polite way to express that something does not look good. It is less harsh than calling something ugly directly, so it fits friendly or casual situations. You can use it for people, objects, or even ideas that fail to catch your interest. It keeps your tone soft. It shows that the appearance lacks appeal without being dramatic. It is a safe choice in many conversations.

• The design looked a little unattractive after the changes.
• She found the old lamp unattractive but still useful.
• The colors were unattractive and did not match the room.

Plain

Plain is great when you want to express simplicity rather than harsh unpleasantness. It suggests something basic or not eye-catching rather than unpleasant. This makes it a very flexible choice in many situations. Many people use it to avoid causing offense, especially when describing someone's appearance. It can also describe objects that simply lack style. It is softer and more neutral than most alternatives.

• His outfit looked plain compared to everyone else's.
• The room felt plain after they removed the decorations.
• Her drawing looked plain but still charming.

Unappealing

This synonym is useful when describing something that fails to attract your interest. It works for looks, taste, smell, or any general impression. It is more expressive than plain but still not too strong. You can use it for items, places, or designs that do not feel right. It highlights a lack of charm. It is helpful when you want to focus on your personal reaction.

• The wall color was unappealing to everyone.
• The meal looked unappealing even though it tasted good.
• The poster design seemed unappealing and dull.

Unpleasant-looking

This phrase shows that something gives a negative visual impression. It is more direct than gentle synonyms but still not the strongest option. It works well for describing scenes, objects, or features that appear off-putting. You can use it when you want clarity without sounding too harsh. It shows that the problem lies in appearance, not character. It expresses a clear reaction.

• The stains on the floor were unpleasant-looking.
• The broken statue became unpleasant-looking over time.
• The food looked unpleasant-looking but was safe to eat.

Not good-looking

This simple phrase feels soft and very easy to understand. It gently communicates that something or someone does not look attractive. It avoids sounding overly negative. You can use it in friendly conversations without worrying about sounding rude. It is perfect when you want a clear meaning using simple words. It keeps the message mild and calm.

• The chair was not good-looking, but it was comfortable.
• He knew the design was not good-looking and needed changes.
• The old house was not good-looking from the outside.

Homely

This word is often used in American English to describe someone or something that lacks attractive features. It is gentle and sometimes even affectionate. It can also describe things that feel simple or old-fashioned. You can use it for people, objects, or scenes that are plain or unattractive. It carries a soft tone. It avoids sounding overly critical.

• The old vase looked homely but charming.
• She felt her outfit was homely compared to others.
• The cottage looked homely but peaceful.

Unsightly

Unsightly describes something visually unpleasant or not pleasant to look at. It is stronger than mild alternatives but still polite enough for general use. It fits well when talking about mess, damage, or anything that ruins appearance. You can use it to highlight flaws clearly. It focuses on the visual impression alone. It is a helpful word for descriptive writing.

• The cracked wall looked unsightly.
• The trash created an unsightly scene in the yard.
• The stain on the carpet was very unsightly.

Hideous

Hideous is a strong word that expresses extreme ugliness or shock. It is useful when you want a dramatic and bold description. You often hear it in stories, reactions, or emotional situations. It clearly shows that something looks very unpleasant. It adds intensity to your point. It works best when you want a powerful effect.

• The mask looked hideous in the dark.
• The outfit was hideous and needed a full redesign.
• The painting's colors together looked hideous.

Repulsive

Repulsive describes something that pushes you away because it is extremely unpleasant. It fits strong emotional reactions. You can use it for things that create shock or discomfort. It works in serious or dramatic descriptions. It shows your clear dislike. It is perfect when something feels both ugly and off-putting.

• The broken food display looked repulsive.
• The smell and look of the dish together were repulsive.
• The abandoned room became repulsive over time.

Foul-looking

This synonym gives a vivid picture of something that looks dirty or unpleasant. It is stronger than mild words and works well in storytelling. It is useful when the appearance seems disturbing or messy. You can use it for places, objects, or even fictional characters. It gives a sense of something being wrong. It helps create strong imagery.

• The swamp water looked foul-looking.
• The food on the counter looked foul-looking after days.
• The old jacket became foul-looking with stains.

Distasteful

Distasteful works for describing something that is unpleasant to see, experience, or think about. It is not limited to appearance, but it can also describe ugly visuals. It fits polite and formal contexts. It gently shows that something feels wrong or off. You can use it for designs, scenes, or decorations. It gives a calm, mature tone.

• The painting's colors looked distasteful.
• He found the broken display distasteful.
• The poster had a distasteful design.

Grotesque

Grotesque means something strange, twisted, or disturbing in appearance. It is strong and dramatic. It works well in stories, descriptions, or artistic discussions. It suggests that the item looks strange rather than just unattractive. You can use it to create vivid imagery. It describes a mix of oddness and ugliness.

• The statue looked grotesque after years of damage.
• The creature in the story had a grotesque appearance.
• The costume looked grotesque but creative.

Awkward-looking

This term is useful when something simply looks odd or not shaped correctly. It does not always mean extremely ugly. It describes something that seems off or unbalanced. You can use it for objects, designs, or even gestures. It is gentle and easy to use. It points out visual discomfort without judgment.

• The chair looked awkward-looking with its uneven legs.
• The drawing seemed awkward-looking but interesting.
• The design looked awkward-looking from the side.

Misshapen

Misshapen describes something formed incorrectly or unevenly. It usually refers to objects, shapes, or features. It does not always mean ugly, but it often implies visual unpleasantness. You can use it in stories, product descriptions, or everyday scenes. It focuses on form rather than style. It gives a clear picture of distortion.

• The clay pot became misshapen in the kiln.
• The fruit looked misshapen but still tasted fine.
• The toy looked misshapen after being stepped on.

Deformed

Deformed describes something with a distorted shape. It often appears in physical descriptions, objects, or damaged items. You should use it carefully, as it can sound strong. It fits serious or descriptive writing. It shows that something lost its original form. It gives a clear, direct meaning.

• The old metal frame looked deformed after the storm.
• The box became deformed during shipping.
• The sculpture looked deformed after years of neglect.

Ghastly

Ghastly expresses shock, fear, or extreme unpleasantness. It works well for dramatic scenes or strong reactions. You can use it in stories or surprising discoveries. It suggests something looks frighteningly ugly. It adds emotion and intensity. It gives your description a vivid tone.

• The mask had a ghastly appearance.
• The room's colors created a ghastly look.
• The creature in the movie looked absolutely ghastly.

Unlovely

Unlovely is a soft and almost poetic way to say something is not attractive. It sounds gentle and mild. It avoids harsh negativity. You can use it for scenes, objects, or mild character descriptions. It gives a smooth tone. It works nicely in calm and reflective writing.

• The garden looked unlovely after the storm.
• Her handwriting looked unlovely but readable.
• The house looked unlovely from the outside.

Table of Synonyms for Ugly

Final Thoughts

I hope this list helps you choose the right word whenever you want a softer, stronger, or more interesting way to say something looks ugly. With these options, you can describe scenes, objects, and characters with more color and confidence. You now have a full set of choices that fit many situations, from gentle to dramatic. Enjoy using these helpful alternatives.