Definition

1. Noun:
   • Something very ugly and offensive: An "eyesore" is something that is considered extremely unattractive, unpleasant to look at, or that spoils the appearance of its surroundings. It causes a feeling of annoyance or displeasure because it is visually jarring or out of place.

Usage

• The word "eyesore" is used to describe a physical object, building, or feature in a landscape that is visually offensive. It is a strong, subjective term expressing personal or shared aesthetic disapproval.
• It is typically used in the singular form, often preceded by "an" or "the." It can be used as a predicate noun (e.g., "That building is an eyesore") or as part of a prepositional phrase (e.g., "an eyesore to the community").

Examples

• Noun:
  • The abandoned factory has become a real eyesore for the neighborhood.
  • Many residents complained that the new, brightly colored billboard was an eyesore.
  • He felt the modern sculpture in the middle of the historic square was a complete eyesore.

Advanced Usage

• "a blot on the landscape": This is a common synonym phrase for "eyesore," emphasizing something that mars the beauty of an area.
  • The old, rusting car in the front yard was a blot on the landscape.
• "stick/stand out like a sore thumb": An idiom describing something that is very noticeable because it is different or unattractive in its context, similar to an eyesore.
  • The mismatched paint job made the house stick out like a sore thumb.

Variants and Related Words

• Eyesores (n, plural): The plural form.
  • The city council has a list of potential eyesores they plan to address.
• Eyesore can function attributively as a noun modifier.
  • The eyesore building was finally demolished.

Synonyms

• Blot: A stain or blemish that spoils something's appearance.
• Monstrosity: Something, especially a building, that is very large and extremely ugly.
• Abomination: A thing that causes disgust or hatred, often used for something considered morally or aesthetically offensive.

Antonyms

• Beauty: A combination of qualities that pleases the aesthetic senses.
• Sight for sore eyes: (Idiom) A person or thing that one is extremely pleased or relieved to see.

Related Idioms and Phrases

• "An eyesore to behold": A slightly formal or emphatic way to state that something is very unpleasant to look at.
  • The litter-strewn park was an eyesore to behold.

Noun

1. something very ugly and offensive