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Definition ugly in British English

ugly adjective

adjective
/ˈʌɡli/
1

someone who is ugly has a face that is unpleasant to look at. Ugly is an unkind word, so people often use the word plain instead, to avoid causing offence

Example

The other man was hideously ugly.

Example

She won't wear T-shirts because she thinks her arms are ugly.

Synonyms and related words
1.1

something that is ugly is unpleasant to look at

Example

an ugly concrete bridge

Example

Do you think its frame makes the picture look ugly?

Synonyms and related words
2

very unpleasant

Example

an ugly rumour

Example

ugly racist propaganda

Example

Critics have described the policy as the ugly face of Republicanism.

Synonyms and related words
Example

There were ugly scenes following the match.

Example

an ugly confrontation

Example

The situation turned ugly when one of the police officers was hit by a rock.

Synonyms and related words
Definition ugly in British English