indistinctive
Definition
- Adjective:
- Lacking distinguishing features: "indistinctive" describes something that is not marked by any special or unique characteristics; it is ordinary, unremarkable, or lacking in distinction.
- Not distinctive: It refers to qualities that do not set a person, object, or idea apart from others; it implies a lack of clear or notable identity.
Usage Examples
- (The building lacked any special or memorable features.)
- (The speech was unremarkable and failed to stand out.)
- (The dress was ordinary and did not attract attention.)
Advanced Usage
"indistinctive quality": a characteristic that is not easily noticed or remembered.
- The painting had an indistinctive quality that made it forgettable. (The painting lacked uniqueness or appeal.)
"indistinctive appearance": a look that does not draw attention or set one apart.
- The suspect's indistinctive appearance made him hard to identify. (The suspect looked like many other people.)
Variants and Related Words
Indistinctiveness (n): the state or quality of being indistinctive.
- The indistinctiveness of the product design hurt its sales. (The lack of distinct features made it unpopular.)
Indistinctively (adv): in a manner that lacks distinction.
- He spoke indistinctively, his words fading into the background noise. (He spoke in an unremarkable way.)
Synonyms
- Unremarkable: not worthy of attention; ordinary.
- Commonplace: ordinary, not unusual.
- Nondescript: lacking interesting or distinctive features.
Related Idioms
A dime a dozen: very common and not special.
- In this industry, ideas like that are a dime a dozen — completely indistinctive. (Such ideas are very common and unoriginal.)
Run-of-the-mill: average, ordinary, not exceptional.
- The movie was run-of-the-mill, with an indistinctive plot and characters. (The movie was typical and unremarkable.)