eyesore

IPA/ˈaɪsɔː(r)/
KK[ˈaɪsˌɔr]IPA/ˈaɪsɔːr/

eyesore — noun

  • eyesoresingular
  • eyesoresplural

1. something such as a building, sign, or other structure that is so unattractive i

1.nounB2
Definition

something such as a building, sign, or other structure that is so unattractive it makes the area around it look worse.

Example

The abandoned factory by the river had become a terrible eyesore for the town.

collocation: 'terrible eyesore' / 'became an eyesore'

Residents complained that the new billboard was an eyesore blocking their mountain view.

structure: complain + that-clause + was an eyesore

Common collocations
  • terrible eyesore
  • hideous eyesore
  • public eyesore
  • become an eyesore
  • call something an eyesore
  • consider something an eyesore
  • remove an eyesore
  • tear down an eyesore
  • eyesore that spoils
Synonyms
  • blight

    broader term that can also refer to the decline of a whole area, not just a single ugly object

  • monstrosity

    much stronger; implies something shockingly large and deformed

  • dump

    informal; focuses on dirtiness and neglect rather than ugliness alone

  • carbuncle

    British English, used specifically for an ugly modern building in a historic setting

Antonyms

Grammar Patterns

eyesore + verb (spoil, ruin, block)

verb + something + an eyesore (call, consider, become)

Usage Note

Frequently used in discussions about urban planning, architecture, and civic complaints. The word carries a strong negative judgment, so it is rarely employed for minor or temporary aesthetic displeasure.

Common Mistakes

The loud music was an eyesore.
The loud music was a nuisance.
eyesore is only for things you see, not sounds or smells.

Synonym discussion

Sense: noun/1

Eyesore, blight, monstrosity, dump, and carbuncle all describe something unattractive, but they differ in scope and tone. Eyesore is the most general and straightforward term — any ugly building, sign, or object that spoils a view. Blight is broader: it can refer to a single structure but more often describes a condition affecting an entire neighbourhood, as in 'urban blight.' Monstrosity is far stronger, suggesting something shockingly huge and deformed. Dump is informal and implies dirtiness and neglect rather than mere ugliness. Carbuncle is a British English term popularised by Prince Charles for a modern building that clashes with its historic surroundings. Example: 'The old garage was an eyesore, but calling it a monstrosity would be an exaggeration.'

eyesore ↗blightmonstrosity ↗dump ↗carbuncle ↗

Common collocations

Nouns

Phrases

  • an eyesore to
  • considered an eyesore
  • regarded as an eyesore

Etymology

Old EnglishEnglish

Eyesore comes from two Old English words: ēage (eye) and sār (pain or sore). It was first used over 800 years ago with a literal medical meaning — an infection or soreness of the eye. By the 1500s, English speakers had begun applying it figuratively to anything so ugly that looking at it felt like an actual pain in the eye. The word has kept this figurative meaning ever since.