unvocal

[ uhn-voh-kuhl ]

adjective

1. not outspoken; reserved; not eloquent in speech; inarticulate.
2. not mellifluous, as the speaking voice.
3. not melodious; unmusical:

   unvocal attempts at writing art songs.

Word History and Origins

Origin of unvocal¹

First recorded in 1765–75; un- ¹ + vocal

Example Sentences

Personally, I admire them very much, but they seem unvocal, and Italy is nothing if not vocal.

From Project Gutenberg

In the second-story front room at Mrs. McKee's, the barytone slept heavily, and made divers unvocal sounds.

From Project Gutenberg

He is a man to keep the world's tongue wagging, not too musically always; though himself of very unvocal nature.

From Project Gutenberg

The very word cantabile emphasizes, by antithesis, the unvocal character of the old florid style.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• disjointed
• incomprehensible
• incongruous
• irrational
• jumbled
• muddled
• puzzling
• rambling
• uneven