unprepossessing — not creating a favorable impression; unattractive or unremarkable in appearance
Part of speech: ADJECTIVE
Definition: not creating a favorable impression; unattractive or unremarkable in appearance
Pronunciation (IPA): /ˌʌnprɪˈpɑːzɛsɪŋ/
Example Sentences
- The restaurant's unprepossessing storefront hid the most amazing food inside.
- His unprepossessing dating profile photo got zero matches, but his personality was pure gold.
- The unprepossessing little café became the most popular spot in town after word spread about their coffee.
unprepossessing
ADJECTIVE[/ˌʌnprɪˈpɑːzɛsɪŋ/]
not creating a favorable impression; unattractive or unremarkable in appearance

a disheveled job candidate sits across from a polished interviewer, wearing wrinkled clothes and messy hair. The candidate slouches in their chair while nervously fidgeting with their untied shoelaces. The interviewer glances up from the resume with a slightly disappointed expression, clearly forming a negative first impression. Other waiting candidates in the background appear more professionally dressed and confident. The receptionist nearby watches the scene with a concerned look. someone not creating a favorable impression and appearing unremarkable in their presentation
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🎤Pronunciation
🌳Etymology
Origin
From the verb 'prepossess' (meaning to influence favorably beforehand) with the negative prefix 'un-'. The word emerged in the 17th century to describe something that fails to make a good first impression.
Breakdown
un- (not/opposite) + pre- (before/in advance) + possess (to hold/influence) + -ing (adjective suffix)
🎵Rhyme
🔗Collocations
📝Examples
“The restaurant's unprepossessing storefront hid the most amazing food inside.”
“His unprepossessing dating profile photo got zero matches, but his personality was pure gold.”
“The unprepossessing little café became the most popular spot in town after word spread about their coffee.”
“She felt unprepossessing in her old clothes, not knowing that her smile was her greatest beauty.”
📚Related Words
Synonyms
Antonyms
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