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nondescript

NON-dihsk-rihpt

Nondescript (adjective) means lacking any distinctive or memorable features; plain and unremarkable. Example: “The suspect was described as a nondescript man in a grey jacket.”

adjective
1
Lacking any distinctive or memorable features; plain and unremarkable.
"The suspect was described as a nondescript man in a grey jacket."
"They stayed in a nondescript motel just off the highway."

How to use nondescript

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishSo plain and ordinary that there's nothing to describe or notice about it.

Common pairings
a nondescript building nondescript appearance

Word forms

more nondescript comparative, nondescripts plural, most nondescript superlative

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Test yourself on “nondescript” A quick quiz — meaning, synonyms & usage

Fill the gap

Can you complete this real example?

The suspect was described as a _____ man in a grey jacket.

Etymology

From non- ("not") plus descript, from Latin descriptus ("described").

Origin: Latin

Frequently asked questions

What does “nondescript” mean?

The word “nondescript” means lacking any distinctive or memorable features; plain and unremarkable. In plain terms, so plain and ordinary that there's nothing to describe or notice about it.

How do you pronounce “nondescript”?

“Nondescript” is pronounced NON-dihsk-rihpt (/nɑndəˈskɹɪpt/ in IPA).

How do you use “nondescript” in a sentence?

Here is “nondescript” used in a sentence: “The suspect was described as a nondescript man in a grey jacket.”

What part of speech is “nondescript”?

“Nondescript” is an adjective.

Where does the word “nondescript” come from?

The word “nondescript” comes from Latin. From non- ("not") plus descript, from Latin descriptus ("described").

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