nondescript

/ˈnɒndɪskrɪpt/ (bre, ipa) · /ˈnɑːndɪskrɪpt/ (ame, ipa) · /ˌnän-di-ˈskript/ (ame, mw)

nondescript — adjective

  • nondescriptpositive
  • more nondescriptcomparative
  • most nondescriptsuperlative

1. so plain or average in appearance that nobody notices it or remembers it later

1.形容詞C1
釋義

so plain or average in appearance that nobody notices it or remembers it later

例句

Esme parked outside a nondescript office block on the edge of town.

a nondescript + noun (building)

The thief wore a nondescript grey jacket and walked away calmly.

a nondescript + noun (clothing)

同義詞
  • unremarkable

    very close in meaning; slightly more formal and works for events as well as appearance.

  • ordinary

    broader, neutral; lacks the implication of being instantly forgotten.

  • plain

    simpler word, often positive for design; 'nondescript' is rarely a compliment.

  • drab

    stronger negative; adds the idea of dull colour or gloom.

反義詞
  • striking

    actively draws the eye — the opposite effect.

  • distinctive

    has a clear feature that sets it apart.

  • memorable

    stays in your mind after you see it.

文法句型

a nondescript + noun

look nondescript

用法筆記

Usually placed before a noun (a nondescript van, a nondescript building). Often carries a mildly negative tone — the thing is too plain to be worth a second glance — and is common in crime reporting and travel writing.

常見錯誤

❌The hotel was very nondescript yesterday.
✅The hotel looked very nondescript.
💡describes a lasting quality, not a temporary state, so 'looked' or 'seemed' is more natural than past 'was'.
❌He had a nondescript personality.
✅He had a bland personality.
💡'nondescript' mostly describes physical appearance (clothes, buildings, vehicles); use 'bland' or 'dull' for personality.