Unattractive

Unattractive

Adjective · /ˌʌnəˈtræktɪv/ · not appealing, pleasing, or desirable in appearance or character

Definition

Unattractive means lacking appeal, whether in physical appearance, personality, or general quality. Something unattractive fails to draw positive attention — it does not please the eye, the mind, or the emotions. The word is mild and measured rather than harsh. An unattractive design is one that nobody wants to look at. An unattractive offer is one that does not tempt. An unattractive personality trait is one that puts people off. The word covers visual, social, financial, and conceptual unappeal equally.

Origin

Formed from the prefix un- meaning not, plus attractive. Attractive comes from the Medieval Latin attractivus, from Latin attrahere — to draw toward. The Latin compound joins ad-, meaning toward, and trahere, meaning to pull or drag. Something attractive pulls you toward it. Something unattractive fails to exert that pull — or actively repels it. The word has been in use since the late eighteenth century, when English began forming un- negatives of adjectives freely.