unhandsome

A man makes an unhandsome offer during a business negotiation.

Definition

1. Adjective:
   • Not attractive in appearance: "unhandsome" describes someone or something that is not pleasing to look at; lacking beauty or comeliness.
   • Not generous or noble: "unhandsome" can also mean lacking in generosity, courtesy, or fairness; mean-spirited or ungracious.

Usage Examples

• Not attractive in appearance:

  • He was a rather unhandsome man, with a crooked nose and a sallow complexion. (He was not attractive in appearance.)
  • The building was unhandsome, with drab concrete walls and no ornamentation. (The building lacked beauty.)

• Not generous or noble:

  • It was an unhandsome offer that did not reflect the true value of the work. (The offer was mean or unfair.)
  • She made an unhandsome remark about his efforts, showing a lack of grace. (She made a rude or ungenerous comment.)

Advanced Usage

• "unhandsome treatment": behaviour that is unfair, discourteous, or lacking in generosity.

  • The employee felt he received unhandsome treatment from his boss, who never acknowledged his hard work. (He felt he was treated unfairly or ungraciously.)

• "unhandsome profit": a profit that is considered excessive or gained in a way that is not honorable.

  • The company was criticized for making an unhandsome profit by cutting corners. (The profit was seen as unethical or excessive.)

Variants and Related Words

• Unhandsomely (adv): in an unattractive or ungenerous manner.

  • He behaved unhandsomely by refusing to help his colleague. (He acted without generosity.)

• Unhandsomeness (n): the quality of being unattractive or ungenerous.

  • The unhandsomeness of his character was more troubling than his plain looks. (His lack of generosity was the main issue.)

Synonyms

• Plain: lacking beauty or ornament (for appearance).
• Ungracious: lacking in courtesy or generosity (for behaviour).
• Mean: stingy or petty (for actions or offers).

Antonyms

• Handsome: attractive in appearance; generous in spirit.
• Graceful: showing elegance or goodwill.
• Generous: willing to give freely.

Related Idioms

• To cut an unhandsome figure: to appear unattractive or unimpressive.

  • In his ill-fitting suit, he cut an unhandsome figure at the formal dinner. (He looked awkward or ugly.)

• An unhandsome deed: an action that is morally or socially unacceptable.

  • Cheating in the exam was an unhandsome deed that disgraced the school. (It was a dishonourable act.)