What is unremarkable? Pronunciation and usage in English

unremarkable means . Learn how to pronounce and use unremarkable through vivid examples and easy-to-understand exercises.

Definition & pronunciation of unremarkable

unremarkableadjective

/ˌʌnrɪˈmɑːkəbl//ˌʌnrɪˈmɑːrkəbl/

Okay, let's break down how to pronounce "unremarkable." It's a bit of a tricky word! Here's a step-by-step guide:

  1. "Un-": This is a common prefix. Pronounce it like "uhn" – as in "under."

  2. "Remark-": This is the core of the word. It sounds like "rem-ark." The "r" is pronounced, but it's a subtle "r." Think of it as a quick, soft "r" sound, not a rolled "r" like in Spanish.

  3. "-able": This ends in "-able." Pronounce it as "uh-buhl." The "uh" is a short, unstressed "uh" sound.

Putting it all together:

It sounds like: uhn-rem-ark-uh-buhl

Here's a breakdown of the sounds:

  • uhn (like "under")
  • rem (as in "remembrance") - quick 'r' sound
  • ark (rhymes with "park")
  • uh (short, unstressed 'uh' sound)
  • buhl (rhymes with "fuel")

Resources for Hearing It:

Would you like me to:

  • Repeat the pronunciation slowly?
  • Break it down even further?

Usage and examples with the word unremarkable in English

Let's break down how to use "unremarkable" effectively in English.

What does "unremarkable" mean?

"Unremarkable" means not worthy of attention; ordinary; unremarkable. It describes something that is bland, dull, and lacking in features that would make it interesting or special. It’s essentially the opposite of "remarkable."

Here's how to use it in different contexts:

1. Describing People:

  • Example: "He was a perfectly pleasant man, but remarkably unremarkable – just another accountant in a gray suit." (This suggests he wasn’t exciting or memorable.)
  • Example: "She's a remarkably unremarkable student; she consistently gets passing grades but doesn’t excel at anything." (Meaning she's average and doesn't stand out.)

2. Describing Places:

  • Example: "The town was remarkably unremarkable – a small, quiet place with nothing to offer tourists.” (It's not exciting, visually interesting, or full of attractions.)
  • Example: “The hotel room was remarkably unremarkable; basic, clean, but utterly devoid of character.” (It was just a standard, plain room.)

3. Describing Events or Things:

  • Example: “The meeting was remarkably unremarkable – a long series of polite exchanges with no real decisions made.” (It was a waste of time, lacking substance.)
  • Example: "The report contained remarkably unremarkable data – just the standard statistics on sales figures." (There was nothing surprising or insightful in the data.)
  • Example: “The painting was remarkably unremarkable; it looked like something you could buy at any department store.” (It wasn’t special or artistic.)

4. Using it as a qualifier (often with "surprisingly"):

  • Example: “Surprisingly, the lecture was remarkably unremarkable; I expected so much more.” (This highlights the contrast between expectation and reality.)

Key Things to Note:

  • Often carries a slightly negative connotation: While "unremarkable" isn't always bad, it often implies something is boring, unimportant, or lacking in significance. It’s usually best used when you’re deliberately trying to convey a sense of ordinariness.
  • Use with caution: Overusing "unremarkable" can make your writing sound overly critical or dismissive. Consider if there’s a more nuanced way to describe something.

Synonyms (words with similar meanings):

  • Ordinary
  • Common
  • Bland
  • Dull
  • Unexceptional
  • Mediocre
  • Average

Let's test your understanding. Can you use “unremarkable” in a sentence?

I'll give you a situation, and I'd like you to write a sentence using "unremarkable."

Situation: You’re describing a new coffee shop. It’s clean, has comfortable seating, and the coffee is decent, but it’s nothing particularly special.

Synonyms for the word unremarkable

Practice with vocabulary unremarkable

Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

  1. Despite the widespread acclaim for its predecessor, the new software update offers only __________ features, failing to address core user complaints.
  2. The committee found the candidate's professional background to be rather __________, lacking any standout achievements or unique experiences.
  3. Given the urgent need for a solution, the proposal presented seemed quite __________, outlining practical steps to mitigate the immediate crisis.
  4. His performance in the annual review was consistently __________, never dipping below expectations but never truly exceeding them either.

Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer

Choose the word(s) that best complete(s) each sentence. There may be more than one correct answer.

  1. The architect's design for the new community center was surprisingly __________, featuring a conventional layout and a façade that blended seamlessly with the surrounding, older buildings. a) groundbreaking b) pedestrian c) innovative d) unassuming e) extraordinary

  2. While the initial research findings were largely __________, a deeper analysis revealed a subtle but significant trend that warranted further investigation. a) conclusive b) exceptional c) unremarkable d) ordinary e) prominent

  3. The client requested a marketing campaign that would be anything but __________, aiming for a viral impact rather than a subtle, conventional approach. a) peculiar b) noteworthy c) impressive d) unmemorable e) commonplace

  4. Despite its __________ appearance, the antique watch proved to be a highly valuable artifact, with a complex mechanism and a rare historical provenance. a) distinguished b) captivating c) sophisticated d) nondescript e) impressive

  5. The company's quarterly growth figures were __________, neither indicating a boom nor suggesting any significant decline, merely maintaining the status quo. a) astonishing b) consistent c) impressive d) noteworthy e) exceptional

Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

Rewrite each sentence according to the instructions provided.

  1. The building's exterior was so plain and lacking in distinct features that it was hard to remember what it looked like a moment later. (Use "unremarkable")
  2. Although his academic record was perfectly average, his unique personal projects made him stand out. (Use a form of "unremarkable")
  3. Her contribution to the project was outstanding and made a significant difference to its success. (Do NOT use "unremarkable" or its forms)

Answer:

Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

  1. unremarkable
  2. unremarkable
  3. reasonable
  4. consistent

Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer

  1. b) pedestrian, d) unassuming
  2. c) unremarkable, d) ordinary
  3. d) unmemorable, e) commonplace
  4. d) nondescript
  5. b) consistent

Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

  1. The building's exterior was so unremarkable that it was hard to remember what it looked like a moment later.
  2. Although his academic record was unremarkable, his unique personal projects made him stand out.
  3. Her contribution to the project was exceptional and made a significant difference to its success.

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