unshapely

/' n' eipli/

Thân thiện

A stout unshapely woman sits on a park bench feeding pigeons.

Definition

1. Adjective:
   • Lacking an attractive or pleasing shape; not well-proportioned: Describes something or someone whose form is considered awkward, disproportionate, or aesthetically displeasing.

Usage

• The adjective "unshapely" is used to describe the physical form of objects, body parts, or figures. It carries a negative connotation, implying a lack of grace or symmetry.
• It is typically used attributively (before a noun) or predicatively (after a linking verb like "be" or "seem").

Examples

• The sculptor discarded the unshapely lump of clay.
• He found the old, unshapely tree to be full of character.
• The dress was criticized for making her look unshapely.
• The package arrived, a bulky and unshapely box.

Advanced Usage

• "unshapely" in figurative contexts: While primarily physical, it can occasionally describe abstract things perceived as formless or poorly structured.
  • The novel's plot was interesting but ultimately unshapely and meandering.

Variants and Related Words

• Unshapen (adjective): An archaic or literary variant meaning not shaped or formed; formless.
• Misshapen (adjective): Badly or wrongly shaped; deformed. (This is a stronger term than "unshapely," often implying deformity.)
• Ill-proportioned (adjective): Poorly proportioned; a close synonym.
• Malformed (adjective): Abnormally shaped, often due to a fault in development.

Synonyms

• Ill-formed
• Deformed (more severe)
• Graceless
• Awkward
• Ungainly

Antonyms

• Shapely
• Well-proportioned
• Graceful
• Symmetrical

Học thuật

Adjective

1. not well-proportioned and pleasing in shape
   • a stout unshapely woman