graceless
/ˈɡreɪsləs/ (bre, ipa) · /ˈɡreɪsləs/ (ame, ipa) · /ˈgrās-ləs/ (ame, mw)
graceless — adjective
- gracelesspositive
- more gracelesscomparative
- most gracelesssuperlative
1. having little or no beauty; unpleasing in appearance, especially because of plai
having little or no beauty; unpleasing in appearance, especially because of plain, dull, or awkward features
The old building was graceless and ugly, with square concrete walls and tiny windows.
collocation: graceless building / graceless design
Kaya thought the new sofa was graceless, but she said nothing to hurt her sister's feelings.
The graceless design of the stadium drew complaints from local residents.
Nathan's graceless hairstyle made him look older than he was.
- ugly
more direct and common; can be offensive
- unattractive
neutral, less harsh than 'ugly'
- plain
simple and ordinary, not necessarily negative
- beautiful
strong positive opposite
- attractive
neutral positive opposite
用法筆記
This sense is less common than 'ugly' or 'unattractive' and carries a slightly more formal or literary tone. It often describes man-made objects or structures rather than people.
常見錯誤
2. behaving or speaking in a way that shows a lack of politeness, respect, or consi
behaving or speaking in a way that shows a lack of politeness, respect, or consideration for how other people feel
His graceless comments about her cooking made everyone at the table uncomfortable.
graceless + noun (comments, remark, behaviour) describing rudeness
Kwame was shocked by the graceless way his colleague spoke to the elderly customer.
It was graceless of Daniel to leave the party without thanking the host.
Aponi's graceless refusal of the gift offended her aunt deeply.
文法句型
it + be + graceless + of + person + to-infinitive
用法筆記
Often describes a specific action or remark rather than a person's permanent character. You would say 'a graceless remark' but rarely 'a graceless person' — for describing character, 'rude' or 'tactless' is more natural.
常見錯誤
3. having body movements that are stiff, awkward, or lacking in natural smoothness
having body movements that are stiff, awkward, or lacking in natural smoothness and ease
The teenager's graceless walk across the stage made the audience smile gently.
graceless + movement noun (walk, dance, gesture)
Zuri attempted a dance move but it came out graceless and clumsy.
His graceless attempt to catch the ball ended with him tripping over his own feet.
Winona felt graceless in the heavy winter boots as she walked through the snow.
用法筆記
Describes physical movement or bodily actions. The adverbial form 'gracelessly' is also common: 'She moved gracelessly across the room.'