uglily

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ug·ly

(ŭg′lē)

adj. ug·li·er, ug·li·est

1. Displeasing to the eye; unsightly.

a. Repulsive or offensive; objectionable: an ugly remark.

b. Chiefly Southern US Rude: Don't be ugly with me.

c. New England Unmanageable. Used of animals, especially cows or horses.

3. Morally reprehensible; bad.

4. Threatening or ominous: ugly black clouds.

a. Likely to cause embarrassment or trouble: "Public opinion in both nations could take an ugly turn" (George R. Packard).

b. Marked by or inclined to anger or bad feelings; disagreeable: an ugly temper; an ugly scene.

n. pl. ug·lies Informal

One that is ugly.

[Middle English, frightful, repulsive, from Old Norse uggligr, from uggr, fear.]

ug′li·ly adv.

ug′li·ness n.

Synonyms: ugly, grotesque, hideous, ill-favored, unsightly
These adjectives mean offensive to the sense of sight: ugly furniture; a grotesque monster; a hideous scar; an ill-favored countenance; an unsightly billboard.

American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fifth Edition. Copyright © 2016 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.

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References in periodicals archive ?

At a time when vexed questions surrounding national identity are uglily severing the country from Europe's side, there is something emboldening in the way villages and towns cast aside their auld claes and porridge.

Martyn McLaughlin: The curious customs of Scotland's towns and villages

I haven't seen any cost mentioned but it must be several thousand pounds and it uglily occupies a prominent position outside the listed St Thomas church.

Trees would make more sense

'And you think we shall be satisfied with your bare word?' he said uglily" [292]).

Looking over Lawrence's shoulder: Lawrence in Australia and the creation of Kangaroo