What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
ugliest
Example
That is the ugliest dress I have ever seen. [ugliest: superlative form of ugly]
Example
He is the ugliest man I have ever met. [ugliest: superlative form of ugly]
hideous
Example
The smell was hideous and made me feel sick. [hideous: adjective]
Example
She had a hideous scar on her face. [hideous: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Ugliest is more commonly used in everyday language than hideous. Ugliest is a more versatile term that can be used in a wider range of contexts, while hideous is more formal and less frequently used.
Whatโs the difference in the tone of formality between ugliest and hideous?
Hideous is a more formal term than ugliest, and is typically used in more serious or professional contexts. Ugliest is more casual and can be used in both formal and informal settings.