ugh

[ookh, uhkh, uh, oo, uhg]

interjection

1. (used as an exclamation expressing disgust, aversion, horror, or the like.)

noun

1. the sound of a cough, grunt, or the like.

ugh

/ ʊx, ʊh, ʌh /

interjection

1. an exclamation of disgust, annoyance, or dislike

Word History and Origins

Origin of ugh¹

First recorded in 1670–80, of expressive origin

Example Sentences

Welty balked at this suggestion, which would have undone a carefully constructed scene: “Ugh! How far could such ‘editing’ lead?

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“There’s a funny moment when you realize that as an activist: The off-ramp out of extreme poverty is, ugh, commerce, it’s entrepreneurial capitalism.”

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“Ugh,” I mutter, wiping my shoes on the stone floor before continuing.

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“It will be more comfortable than traveling in—ugh!—one of these barrels, I assure you.”

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“Do not be dramatic, Cassiopeia. Perhaps the gardener is on vacation. Ivy can grow very—ugh!—quickly.”

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Related Words

• cry 
• exclamation 
• expletive 
• insertion 
• interpolation 
• interposition 
• shout