What does uglily mean?
Uglily is an adverb meaning “in an ugly or unattractive manner.” It is used when describing the appearance of a person, object, landscape, or movement, and it can also refer to behavior that seems clumsy, graceless, or unpleasant. For example, a face may “twist uglily,” or a building may “stand uglily” in the middle of an otherwise attractive landscape. The word often carries a strong visual emphasis, making it particularly useful for vivid description. Although “uglily” is natural in everyday English, it can sound blunt in formal contexts; “unattractively” or “in an unattractive manner” may be preferable when the description needs a more neutral tone. Its unusual rhythm also makes it memorable: the familiar adjective “ugly” is converted into an adverb that focuses on manner rather than identity.
adverbIn an ugly or unattractive manner; in a way that is unpleasant to look at or hear.
- In an ugly or unattractive manner.
"The old gate had been painted an uglily bright shade of orange."
"His face twisted uglily when he realized what had happened."
"The building sat uglily against the hillside, blocking the view."
Ugly describes what something looks like; uglily describes how it does it.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does uglily come from?
Uglily was formed by adding the productive English suffix “-ly” to the adjective “ugly,” producing an adverb with the meaning “in an ugly manner.” Ugly itself entered Middle English during the late medieval period. Its deeper origin is uncertain, although it is often linked to Old Norse; related English forms include ugliness, uglify, and uglification.
How uglily is actually used
Uglily is used especially for visible appearance, movement, and facial expressions, and can also describe behavior that is perceived as graceless or unkind. It is relatively blunt and informal; in formal writing, a phrase such as “in an unattractive manner” may sound more measured.
Easily confused with uglily
Ugly is an adjective describing something unattractive, whereas uglily is an adverb describing the manner in which something is done or appears.