unlovely

adjective

un·​love·​ly ˌən-ˈləv-lē How to pronounce unlovely (audio)
Synonyms of unlovelynext
: not likable : disagreeable, unpleasant
an unlovely name
unloveliness
ˌən-ˈləv-lē-nəs How to pronounce unlovely (audio)
noun

Synonyms of unlovely

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Examples of unlovely in a Sentence

Sunday night is often spoiled by the unlovely thought of having to go back to school or work the next morning. an unlovely but efficient little machine
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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.
One wonders what might signify the unlovely body in the story? — Literary Hub, 3 Feb. 2026 The baked five cheese macaroni and cheese, a small and unlovely cup that hides so much depth and possibility, begs for perhaps crispy breadcrumbs to lend texture and toastiness. — Louisa Kung Liu Chu, Chicago Tribune, 16 June 2026 It was supposed to belong to no other region, a geographic leftover to which the unlovely work of government could be relegated. — Chris Stirewalt, The Hill, 12 Aug. 2025 The tree house was situated in an unlovely strip of forest a few hundred yards wide, squeezed between a six-lane highway and a freight rail line, on the drab gray edge of Vancouver. — Robert Moor, New Yorker, 2 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for unlovely

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of unlovely was in the 15th century

Rhymes for unlovely

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Browse Nearby Words

unloveliness
unlovely
unloving
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Cite this Entry

“Unlovely.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/unlovely. Accessed 8 Jul. 2026.

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Kids Definition

unlovely

adjective
un·​love·​ly ˌən-ˈləv-lē How to pronounce unlovely (audio)
ˈən-
: having no charm or appeal : disagreeable
an unlovely story about betrayal
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