If you describe someone or something as unprepossessing, you mean that they look rather plain or ordinary, although they may have good or special qualities that are hidden.
[formal]
We found the tastiest food in the most unprepossessing bars and cafés.
Synonyms: unattractive, unpleasant, unappealing, unsightly More Synonyms of unprepossessing
unprepossessing in British English
(ˌʌnpriːpəˈzɛsɪŋ)
adjective
not creating a favourable impression; unattractive
Examples of 'unprepossessing' in a sentence
unprepossessing
A squat, unprepossessing face, moustache, tiny round glasses that gave an intellectual air.
Nabb, Magdalen, Vagheggi, Paolo PROSECUTOR (2002)
His guide suddenly stopped before a delapidated café; outwardly, at least, it was unprepossessing in the extreme.
Maclean, Alistair THE LONELY SEA (2002)
Quite how Neville has managed to find such an unprepossessing place for a party is beyond me.
Alex George LOVE YOU MADLY (2002)
(adjective)
Definition
not very attractive or appealing
We found the tastiest tapas in the most unprepossessing bars.
Synonyms
unattractive
I'm 27, have a good job and I'm not unattractive.
unpleasant
He was very unpleasant indeed.
unappealing
unsightly
My mother has had unsightly varicose veins for years.
uninviting
The restaurant looked dilapidated and uninviting.
scuzzy (informal)
Additional synonyms
in the sense of uninviting
The restaurant looked dilapidated and uninviting.
Synonyms
unattractive,
off-putting (British, informal),
unappealing,
unpleasant,
undesirable,
repellent,
repulsive,
disagreeable,
unwelcoming,
unappetizing,
untempting
in the sense of unpleasant
Definition
not pleasant or agreeable
He was very unpleasant indeed.
Synonyms
obnoxious,
disagreeable,
vicious,
malicious,
rude,
mean (informal),
cruel,
poisonous,
unattractive,
unfriendly,
vindictive,
venomous,
mean-spirited,
inconsiderate,
impolite,
unloveable,
ill-natured,
unlikable or unlikeable
in the sense of unsightly
Definition
unpleasant to look at
My mother has had unsightly varicose veins for years.