unattractive

adjective

un·​at·​trac·​tive ˌən-ə-ˈtrak-tiv How to pronounce unattractive (audio)
: not attractive : plain, dull
unattractively adverb
unattractiveness noun

Examples of unattractive in a Sentence

an unattractive, awkward baby bird
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
As far back as 2002, a study published in the journal Animal Welfare looking at the behavior of 97 dogs in a rescue center concluded that extended periods of time in a shelter often led to canines behaving in a manner deemed unattractive to potential adopters. Jack Beresford, Newsweek, 9 Mar. 2025 What makes these plants unattractive to deer—prickly or hairy stems or leaves, a pungent scent, or a covering of fuzzy hairs—is a win for your garden, adding charm to your landscape. Rita Pelczar, Better Homes & Gardens, 2 Mar. 2025 There's something both very heady, and seductive and unattractive about that. Neda Ulaby, NPR, 27 Feb. 2025 At levels of $30, LUV stock is unattractive based on its financials, and the recent announcement does little to change that. Trefis Team, Forbes, 12 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for unattractive

Word History

First Known Use

1813, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of unattractive was in 1813

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Cite this Entry

“Unattractive.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/unattractive. Accessed 19 Apr. 2025.

Kids Definition

unattractive

adjective
un·​at·​trac·​tive -ˈtrak-tiv How to pronounce unattractive (audio)
: not attractive : plain
unattractively adverb
unattractiveness noun

More from Merriam-Webster on unattractive

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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