uncomplimentary
Definitions
Expressing criticism or disapproval; not flattering
贬损的，不恭维的，不讨好的
Root Breakdown
Root-derivedun- (not) + compliment (praise) + -ary = 'not flattering.' Careful: this word is built on compliMent (praise), NOT compleMent (fill/complete). Despite the shared look, uncomplimentary has nothing to do with the ple 'fill' family — it means unflattering, critical.
Common Collocations
- 1.uncomplimentary remarks贬损性言论
- 2.uncomplimentary comments负面评价
- 3.uncomplimentary terms不雅之词
Example Sentences
- 1.
The review was distinctly uncomplimentary about the food.
- 2.
He made some uncomplimentary remarks about the design.
Easily Confused
uncomplimentary vs uncomplementary — a real spelling trap. uncompliMentary (with an i) means unflattering, critical (its base is compliment = praise). uncompleMentary (with an e) would mean 'not matching/not completing each other' (base complement = fill out). The common word is uncompliMentary; the e-version is rare.