English edit

Alternative forms edit

Etymology edit

From Middle English eye sor, eie-sor, eyen soore, eæge-sare, equivalent to eye +‎ sore.

Pronunciation edit

  • (UK) IPA(key): /ˈaɪsɔː/
  • (file)
  • (US) IPA(key): /ˈaɪsɔɹ/, enPR: īʹsôr
  • Rhymes: -aɪsɔː(ɹ)

Noun edit

eyesore (plural eyesores)

  1. An eye lesion.
  2. A displeasing sight; something prominently ugly or unsightly.
    Antonyms: feast for the eyes, eye candy
    The building, towering over its surroundings with its square concrete frame and reflective walls of gold-tinted glass, was an eyesore visible throughout the city.
    • 2021 December 15, Robin Leleux, “Awards honour the best restoration projects: The Network Rail Community Award: Saltash and Stow”, in RAIL, number 946, page 58:
      Two entrants shared this award for their work on two quite different stations, but with the same purpose of bringing a redundant station building back into use for the benefit of the community, with the added result of conserving an historic building. Saltash Town Council bought Saltash station building after it had become very decrepit and 'an eyesore' - such that it was nearly pulled down to make way for housing.

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