What does unsexy mean?
Unsexy is an informal adjective meaning “not sexually attractive” or “lacking sexual appeal.” It is commonly applied to people, clothing, products, buildings, ideas, and activities that are regarded as dull, awkward, awkward-looking, or unexciting. In extended usage, the word can mean unappealing without any direct reference to sexuality, as in the description of a business proposal or filing system as unsexy. The expression is especially common in conversational, cultural, fashion, and business criticism, where its bluntness gives it a mildly humorous or disparaging force. Although it can mean the opposite of sexy, it is broader than that simple contrast: a thing may be unsexy because it seems dull, impractical, unglamorous, or simply not desirable. The word is also frequently used as a convenient way to dismiss something as lacking excitement or appeal, often without offering a more precise criticism.
adjectiveInformal adjective meaning lacking sexual appeal; not attractive or exciting in a sexual way. By extension, it can describe something dull, awkward, unexciting, or otherwise unappealing.
- Lacking sexual attractiveness, appeal, or allure.
- Lacking excitement, glamour, or broader aesthetic appeal; dull or unappealing.
"The proposed merger sounded like an unsexy way to save money."
"The proposed merger sounded like an unsexy way to save money."
"Those practical shoes are comfortable, but they are undeniably unsexy."
One small prefix can turn a compliment into a put-down: “sexy” becomes a blunt verdict of “unsexy.”
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of unsexy
The modern adjective was formed by adding the prefix un-, meaning “not,” to sexy and reversing its positive sense. Sexy itself emerged in the early twentieth century from sex, which derives from Latin sexus. Related forms such as sexual and sexuality preserve that same Latin root, although they are not derived directly from unsexy.
How unsexy is actually used
Predominantly informal and often dismissive or humorous. It may describe a literal lack of sexual allure or, by extension, something considered dull, awkward, or unexciting.
Easily confused with unsexy
Unsexy describes something as lacking sexual appeal, whereas unsex means to deprive something or someone of sexual characteristics or potency.