unhandsome

[ uhn-han-suhm ]

adjective

1. lacking good looks; not attractive in physical appearance; plain or ugly.
2. ungracious; discourteous; unseemly:

   an unhandsome exchange of epithets.

3. ungenerous; illiberal:

   an unhandsome reward.

Other Words From

• un·handsome·ly adverb
• un·handsome·ness noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of unhandsome¹

First recorded in 1520–30; un- ¹ + handsome

Example Sentences

He had been made welcome to that house, and therefore he was bound to do nothing unhandsome by the family.

From Project Gutenberg

But then he was bound by other laws, equally clear, to do nothing unhandsome by any other family—or by any other lady.

From Project Gutenberg

Without even knocking at the door there noiselessly entered our northern home two large, unhandsome Indians.

From Project Gutenberg

You understand it not, and to your ears 'twill goe like an unshod cart upon the stones, only a rough unhandsome sound.

From Project Gutenberg

Does it seem cold and unhandsome, this specular survey of persons?

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• indecent
• unflattering
• unseemly
• untoward