Definition

1. Noun:
   • Attractiveness to the opposite sex: The quality of being sexually attractive or alluring. It is the power to arouse sexual interest or desire in others.

Usage

• Noun: "Sex appeal" is an uncountable noun. It describes an abstract quality a person possesses. It is often used in discussions of charisma, marketing, entertainment, and personal attraction.
  • Her confidence and style gave her undeniable sex appeal.
  • The actor was hired more for his sex appeal than for his acting skills.
  • The advertisement relies on the product's sex appeal to sell to a young audience.

Advanced Usage

• "to have sex appeal": to possess the quality of being sexually attractive.
  • Not all movie stars have traditional sex appeal, but they possess a unique magnetism.
• "to lose one's sex appeal": for one's sexual attractiveness to diminish.
  • He worried that losing his hair would make him lose his sex appeal.

Variants and Related Words

• Sexy (adjective): Having sex appeal; sexually attractive or exciting.
  • That is a very sexy dress.
• Allure (noun/verb): The quality of being powerfully and mysteriously attractive or fascinating. While similar, "allure" can be broader than just sexual attraction.
  • The allure of ancient ruins draws many tourists.

Synonyms

• Desirability: The quality of being desirable, often in a sexual context.
• Magnetism: A personal quality of powerful attraction, which can include sexual attraction.
• Animal magnetism: A strong, direct, and instinctive sexual attractiveness.

Related Phrases

• "It" factor / "X" factor: An indefinable quality, often including sex appeal, that makes a person stand out and seem special.
  • The new singer has that certain "it" factor that makes her a star.
• Screen presence: The compelling quality of an actor on film, which often involves charisma and sex appeal.
  • His screen presence is immense, thanks in part to his raw sex appeal.

Idioms

• "Sex sells": An advertising and marketing idiom stating that products or ideas are more easily promoted if associated with sexual attractiveness or imagery.
  • The company's controversial campaign proved once again that sex sells.

Noun

1. attractiveness to the opposite sex