ugly

1 of 2

adjective

ug·​ly ˈə-glē 

uglier; ugliest

1

a

: offensive to the sight : hideous

b

: offensive or unpleasant to any sense

2

: morally offensive or objectionable

corruption—the ugliest stain of all

3

a

: likely to cause inconvenience or discomfort

the ugly truth

b

: surly, quarrelsome

an ugly disposition

4

: frightful, dire

uglily

ˈə-glə-lē 

adverb

ugly

2 of 2

adverb

: in an ugly manner

was acting ugly

Synonyms

Adjective

• grotesque
• hideous
• homely
• ill-favored
• monstrous
• unappealing
• unattractive
• unbeautiful
• uncomely
• unhandsome
• unlovely
• unpleasing
• unpretty
• unsightly
• vile

Examples of ugly in a Sentence

Adjective

an ugly shade of green

They avoided what could have been an ugly situation.

He has an ugly disposition.

Recent Examples on the Web

Adjective

The year of the COVID-19 lockdowns, mass death, racial upheaval — on top of the ugliest presidential election in memory. —Shelby Grad, Los Angeles Times, 18 June 2024

All together, Chafin has an ugly 4.70 ERA despite the peripherals — 28 strikeouts, 12 walks and just two homers allowed — to sport a solid 3.40 FIP. —Ryan Ford, Detroit Free Press, 17 June 2024

Adverb

Things could get ugly fast for Messrs. Spiegel and Murphy. —Paul Solotaroff, Rolling Stone, 17 June 2024

Nicki Bates But things would turn ugly over time, says Bates. —Peter Van Sant, CBS News, 11 May 2024

Word History

Etymology

Adjective

Middle English, from Old Norse uggligr, from uggr fear; akin to Old Norse ugga to fear

First Known Use

Adjective

13th century, in the meaning defined at sense 4

Adverb

14th century, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing ugly

• (as) ugly as sin
• plug-ugly
• rear/raise its ugly head
• ugly duckling

Kids Definition

ugly

adjective

ug·​ly

ˈəg-lē

uglier; ugliest

1

: horrid or unpleasant especially to the sight : unsightly, hideous

2

: offensive entry 1 sense 3, repulsive

ugly habits

3

a

: likely to cause bother or discomfort : troublesome

an ugly situation

b

: quarrelsome

an ugly disposition

ugliness noun