ugliness

UK: ˈʌɡlinəs | US: ˈʌɡlinəs

Definition
  1. n. the quality of being unpleasant or repulsive in appearance

  2. n. the morally objectionable or offensive nature of something

Structure
ugly <unpleasant in appearance>ness <noun suffix indicating state or quality>
Etymology

The word "ugliness" derives from the Middle English ugli, meaning "frightful or repulsive," which itself comes from Old Norse uggligr ("dreadful," from uggr "fear"). The suffix -ness (Old English -nes) was added to form a noun denoting the state or quality of being ugly. Over time, the term shifted from implying fear or dread to emphasizing aesthetic or moral repulsiveness.

Examples
  1. The ugliness of the abandoned building made it hard to sell.

  2. She was shocked by the ugliness of their argument.

  3. The sculpture’s ugliness was intentional, meant to provoke thought.

  4. Pollution has added to the ugliness of the city’s outskirts.

  5. His actions revealed an inner ugliness that surprised everyone.