Nondescript

Part of speech: adjective

Pronunciation: /ˈnɒndɪskɹɪpt/

Definitions

1. Lacking distinctive or interesting features or characteristics; unremarkable and difficult to describe
2. Lacking any unique or striking features that would set it apart, leading to a vague or indistinct description
3. Having no clear or notable characteristics that draw attention or make recognition easy

Etymology: "Nondescript" is built from the prefix "non-", meaning "not", and "descript", a word that English uses for "described" or "marked by a particular description." That second part comes from Latin "dēscrīptus," the past participle of "dēscrībere," meaning "to describe" or "to write down." The Latin verb itself combined "dē-," "down," with "scrībere," "to write," so the root idea is something set down in writing, or drawn out in outline. Put together, the word originally meant something lacking a describable character: a thing so plain or unremarkable that there is nothing particular to say about it. Its use has stayed close to that sense, describing people, places, clothes, and objects that are bland, indistinct, or hard to pin down. The word is used most often for things that are not ugly or bad, only forgettable.

Synonyms: unremarkable, ordinary, commonplace, plain, bland

Antonyms: distinct, remarkable, notable, striking, extraordinary