Definition

The condition of being unpleasant to look at or not attractive.

Example

The unsightliness of the abandoned building made the neighborhood feel less welcoming.

Conversation

Have you seen the new park they built downtown?

Yeah, but I noticed a lot of unsightliness around it, like trash everywhere.

I agree, it really takes away from the beauty of the place.

They should definitely do a better job maintaining it.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Unsightliness → It is formed from "un-" (meaning not) and "sight" (from Old English "sīht", meaning the act of seeing or appearance) and "-liness" (meaning the quality of). The word "unsightliness" refers to the quality of not being sightly or attractive.

Memory Tip

Think of 'not' ('un-') being combined with 'appearance' ('sight') and 'quality' ('-liness') — this helps you remember that unsightliness means something that is not attractive.

Visually Confused Words