uncool
A2Pronunciation
UK
- /ʌnkˈuːl/
US
- /ˌənˈkul/
Description
- Not fashionable
- embarrassing
- out of date
"Uncool" is not about temperature. It describes something that seems outdated, embarrassing, awkward, or not stylish in a social way. What counts as "cool" changes over time, so something people loved in one decade may seem uncool in another. A dad trying to use teenage slang is a classic example. Sometimes the word suggests that someone is trying too hard, or just does not fit the mood of the group. It is often used in a playful way, especially by younger people talking about styles, habits, or trends that do not seem appealing anymore.
The word "uncool" describes something that seems unfashionable, awkward, embarrassing, or out of step with what people currently think is stylish or socially appealing. It is a very subjective term, and its meaning depends a lot on age, culture, and context. While it often applies to fashion, it can also describe behavior, attitudes, interests, jokes, or habits.
Originally, "cool" meant calm and collected. Over time, especially in the mid-20th century, it also came to mean stylish, appealing, and socially admired. "Uncool" developed as the opposite: something seen as lame, old-fashioned, awkward, or trying too hard.
The context matters a lot. What seems uncool to a teenager might seem perfectly fine, funny, or even impressive to an older adult. The word is often used as a playful comment between friends, but it can also sound hurtful if it is used to shame someone or make them feel left out.
You might say, "Wearing socks with sandals is generally considered uncool," or "He tried so hard to seem cool that he ended up looking uncool." The word captures the small social pressures around fitting in, being liked, and knowing what feels natural or current in a particular group.
Examples
- 1
Rude action
It was uncool of Jake to post that photo without asking.
Pattern
uncool of + person + to do X
socially rude or inconsiderate
- 2
Social image
She didn’t want to look uncool in front of her new classmates.
- 3
Peer pressure
Around here, it can feel uncool to admit you need help.
- 4
Canceling plans
Canceling at the last minute is pretty uncool.
- 5
Music taste
That band was seen as uncool for years, and now everyone listens to them.
- 6
Failed joke
He tried to sound cool, but the joke just came off as uncool.
Pattern
come off as + adjective/noun
seem that way
Forms and spellings
1 form open this card.
Main spelling
- uncooladjective