odd or unnatural in shape, appearance, or character; fantastically ugly or absurd; bizarre.
fantastic in the shaping and combination of forms, as in decorative work combining incongruous human and animal figures with scrolls, foliage, etc.
noun
any grotesque object, design, person, or thing.
Origin of grotesque
First recorded in 1555–65; from French, from Italian grottesca (from pittura grottesca,opera grottesca “grotesque painting, decoration” such as was apparently found in excavated buildings), the feminine of grottesco “grotesque, uncouth,” derivative of grotta “cave.” See grotto, -esque
The wealth gap in this country is grotesque, and highly correlated with race.
Why I’m giving up my board seat to make room for someone from an underrepresented community|jakemeth|September 21, 2020|Fortune
However, the way Alexander weaves together the grotesque, shameful history of the institution of slavery and shows that through systems both perpetuated and accepted by society, its worst effects were not only allowed to continue—but were thriving.
Book recommendations from Fortune’s 40 under 40 in tech|Rachel King|September 4, 2020|Fortune
Grotesque profiteering aside, life release ceremonies can devastate the eco-system.
The Buddhist Business of Poaching Animals for Good Karma|Brendon Hong|December 28, 2014|DAILY BEAST
Why is the sight—or mere thought—of other adults having sex thought of as grotesque, bad, or forbidden in the year 2014?
Porn Stars Are People Too, Dammit: Lisa Ann’s Notre Dame Date and the Trolling of David Gregory|Aurora Snow|October 25, 2014|DAILY BEAST
At least Jake Gyllenhaal shaved off his grotesque face scarf this year.
Leo, the Beard Has to Go: When a Man’s Facial Hair Reaches Crisis Point|Tim Teeman|September 22, 2014|DAILY BEAST
The runoff has turned into a macabre political sideshow filled with grotesque attacks and ugly accusations.
Mississippi GOP Plays Games With Black Votes|Ben Jacobs|June 24, 2014|DAILY BEAST
We look back for the pretty or grotesque pictures, and shake our heads at the circus.