unattractive

British  

/ ˌʌnəˈtræktɪv /

adjective

1. not appealing to the senses or mind through beauty, form, character, etc

2. not arousing interest

   an unattractive proposition

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Explanation

Unattractive means "unappealing" or "ugly." The cake you baked for you best friend's birthday may be lopsided and unattractive, but she won't care if it tastes delicious. It's not very nice to describe people as unattractive — you're basically saying they're not pretty or handsome. But inanimate objects can also be unattractive if they're not pleasant to look at, like the unattractive cactus on your coffee table. And other things are unattractive because they offer no benefits or advantages: "I wanted that job until he offered me an unattractive salary."

Example Sentences

If the dollar is unattractive as a portfolio hedge, the more incentive there is to reduce dollar exposure.

From MarketWatch • Feb. 12, 2026

He blamed a combination of unattractive pay and youngsters' unwillingness to dedicate time and energy to mastering the craft.

From Barron's • Jan. 19, 2026

While Venezuela has vast oil reserves, its crude is a heavy, high-sulfur variety that is considered low quality and commercially unattractive.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jan. 11, 2026

Fragile global bond markets do keep an eye on any unattractive economic or political factors.

From BBC • Sep. 6, 2025

“Once Ignatius started talking to them people, they’d maybe get mad and lock him up for good,” Mrs. Reilly said, but she was thinking that even that alternative wasn’t too unattractive.

From "A Confederacy of Dunces" by John Kennedy Toole

Related Words

• disgusting
• repugnant
• repulsive
• unappealing