undistinguished

/ˌʌndɪˈstɪŋɡwɪʃt/ (bre, ipa) · /ˌʌndɪˈstɪŋɡwɪʃt/ (ame, ipa) · /ˌən-di-ˈstiŋ-(g)wisht/ (ame, mw)

undistinguished — adjective

  • undistinguishedpositive
  • more undistinguishedcomparative
  • most undistinguishedsuperlative

1. ordinary and not likely to win respect, praise, or much attention because nothin

1.形容詞C2
釋義

ordinary and not likely to win respect, praise, or much attention because nothing about it stands out

例句

After ten years in politics, Mateo had an undistinguished record in office.

undistinguished + record/career

The hotel looked clean but undistinguished beside the grand old buildings.

predicative use after linking verb

同義詞
  • unremarkable

    closest everyday match; often sounds slightly less formal

  • ordinary

    can be neutral, while undistinguished usually carries mild disappointment

  • mediocre

    stronger and more negative; suggests poor quality rather than simple lack of notice

  • forgettable

    stresses that nothing leaves a lasting impression

反義詞
  • distinguished

    widely respected or admired

  • notable

    worth noticing because of a clear quality or achievement

  • outstanding

    much stronger; clearly excellent rather than merely noticeable

文法句型

undistinguished + noun

be/remain undistinguished

用法筆記

Often used for careers, records, neighborhoods, buildings, or work that seems ordinary rather than impressive. It is usually a mild negative judgment: the idea is not that something is terrible, but that it gives people little reason to notice or admire it.

常見錯誤

The cafe is undistinguished, so everyone visits it for its famous design.
The cafe is distinguished, so everyone visits it for its famous design.
💡'undistinguished' means ordinary and not impressive, the opposite of 'distinguished' here.
Her report was undistinguished from the others.
Her report was not distinguishable from the others.
💡for the idea of 'hard to tell apart', English usually uses 'not distinguishable' or 'indistinguishable', not this common meaning of 'undistinguished'.