UNSTYLISH Synonyms: 86 Similar and Opposite Words

unstylish

adjective

ˌən-ˈstī-lish

Definition of unstylish

as in inappropriate

marked by an obvious lack of style or good taste chose a bizarrely unstylish hairstyle for the Halloween party

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Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Recent Examples of unstylish Hoka Women’s Kaha 2 GTX Waterproof Hiking Boots Hiking boots don’t need to be frumpy and unstylish—just look at this adorable pair that’s now up to 59 percent off just in time for the Fourth of July. — Merrell Readman, Travel + Leisure, 5 July 2025 The piece is an antique that wasn't fashionable for many decades, but many jewels once considered fussy or unstylish have now been embraced again. — Stephanie Petit, Peoplemag, 8 Dec. 2023 Slippery soles, cold toes, and unstylish footwear should be avoided at all costs. — Roxanne Adamiyatt, Town & Country, 29 Dec. 2022 The alternative of using a single mirror would require a thick lens—resulting in bulky, unstylish AR glasses. — Ari Grobman, Forbes, 19 July 2022

Recent Examples of Synonyms for unstylish

Adjective

Justice Department attorneys have argued that a restraining order would be inappropriate and that the legal challenge was premature, as federal agencies had yet to issue public guidance on how the president's directive would be implemented.

— Kristina Cooke, USA Today, 1 Sep. 2026
The morality police, which are often accused of extreme policies, recently announced a statewide ban in Sokoto on the use of DJs at events, as well as inappropriate haircuts, extravagant bridal gifts and playing music on public transport.

— ABC News, ABC News, 28 Aug. 2026

Definition of inappropriate

Adjective

The very characteristics that made blue-collar businesses unfashionable, their physicality and labor intensity, are now their defensive moat.

— Gustaf Lundberg Toresson, Forbes.com, 6 Aug. 2026
As one Ithacan subject fondly recalls, Odysseus always had an unfashionable belief in playing fair.

— Justin Chang, New Yorker, 17 July 2026

Definition of unfashionable

Adjective

Guy acknowledges, though, that this could lead to the level of chaos depicted in a memorable 2009 episode of The Office, where staff show up in an array of unsuitable outfits.

— Chloe Veltman, NPR, 28 Aug. 2026
That could allow geothermal projects to operate in locations that have traditionally been considered unsuitable for geothermal development.

— Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 26 Aug. 2026

Definition of unsuitable

Adjective

Get rid of that dowdy old boob light for good and hang any of these beautiful alternative light fixtures instead.

— Stephanie Osmanski, Better Homes & Gardens, 21 Aug. 2026
Like sparks igniting, the result is a piece that feels alive with energy rather than a dowdy relic of the past.

— Paige Reddinger, Robb Report, 17 May 2026

Definition of dowdy

Adjective

Holzinger jumps into the tank, her movements inelegant and panicked, and pulls Nüganen out.

— Lauren Oyler, New Yorker, 20 July 2026
One of the more revealing patterns to emerge from the category is something known as zebra striping, a perhaps inelegant term, but a quick phrase to show the shift in highly intelligent consumer behaviour.

— Kate Hardcastle, Forbes.com, 19 June 2026

Definition of inelegant

Browse Nearby Words

unstuffy

unstylish

unsubdued

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“Unstylish.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/unstylish. Accessed 2 Sep. 2026.

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Synonyms of unstylish

adjective

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