ugly
word
/ˈəɡɫi/
UHG-lee
/ˈʌɡli/
UHG-lee
Definition
Not attractive to look at; unpleasant in appearance. It can also describe something unpleasant or morally bad, such as an ugly argument or an ugly side of someone.
Usage & Nuances
Common and direct, and sometimes rude if used about people. Very common patterns are 'ugly building', 'ugly face', 'ugly scene', and 'things got ugly' (= the situation became hostile or unpleasant). Don't confuse it with 'unattractive', which is softer and more polite.
Spanish: feo - desagradable a la vistaPortuguese (BR): feioPortuguese (PT): feioChinese (Simplified): 丑陋的 - 难看的Chinese (Traditional): 醜陋的 - 難看的Hindi: बदसूरतArabic: قبيحBengali: কুৎসিত - বিশ্রীRussian: некрасивый - уродливый - безобразныйJapanese: 醜い - みにくいVietnamese: xấu xí - khó coiKorean: 못생긴 - 추한Turkish: çirkinUrdu: بدصورت - بھیانکIndonesian: jelek - buruk
Example Sentences
This dog is not ugly. It is cute.
basic
They painted the wall an ugly green color.
basic
The fight turned ugly very fast.
basic
Things got ugly after he mentioned money.
natural
That was an ugly thing to say.
natural
It’s not pretty, but the old couch isn’t that ugly, honestly.
natural