WordGarden.ionondescript
C1Pronunciation
UK
- /nˌɒndɪskrˈɪpt/
US
- /ˈnɑndɪsˈkrɪpt/
Meanings
Adjective
plain, ordinary, and lacking distinctive features
Noun
an ordinary or unremarkable person or thing
Beyond the definition
Imagine walking through a crowd and barely noticing someone. That person might be described as nondescript - meaning they do not have any striking features that make them stand out. It does not mean unattractive, just average. A nondescript building is not grand or imposing; it simply blends in. Think of a beige wall - perfectly useful, but not memorable.
The word suggests that there is not much to describe because nothing really stands out. You might describe a thrilling adventure with vivid language, but a nondescript day at the office? Probably just "it was okay." Sometimes it is useful to be nondescript - spies often try to appear that way.
The word nondescript describes something lacking in distinctive or interesting features; ordinary and unremarkable. It's not necessarily negative, but rather an observation about a lack of memorability. A nondescript person doesn't have any particularly noticeable characteristics – their height, build, hair color, and clothing are all average. You might pass them on the street and immediately forget what they looked like.
It can apply to places too. A nondescript office building isn't architecturally impressive; it's just a functional space. Similarly, a nondescript town doesn't have any famous landmarks or unique attractions.
The key is that something nondescript doesn't invite description. It blends into the background. This can be intentional - think of camouflage designed to make someone nondescript in their environment. Or it can simply be a matter of fact. A detective might describe a suspect as "nondescript, about 5'10", wearing ordinary clothes," meaning they would not easily catch your eye.
Nondescript isn't the same as plain or ugly. It simply means lacking qualities that would make something stand out. It's a word for when things fade into the background, becoming part of the everyday scenery. So next time you encounter something utterly unremarkable, remember - it's perfectly nondescript!
Examples
- 1
Building
The cafe was in a nondescript gray building beside the station.
- 2
Clothing
He wore a nondescript jacket and jeans, so no one noticed him in the crowd.
- 3
Hotel room
The hotel room was clean but nondescript.
- 4
Police description
Police described the suspect as a nondescript man in his thirties.
More examplesFewer examples
- 5
Job history
She started in a nondescript office job before moving into design.
See also
Similar
Shades of meaning
Contrast
Do not confuse
Used with (collocations)
- a nondescript building
- a nondescript appearance
- looked nondescript
Explore
- lack of distinction
- visual anonymity
Forms and spellings
2 forms open this card.
Main spelling
- nondescriptnounadjective
Forms
- nondescriptspluralnounadjective