What does "nondescript" mean?
A species or other type of creature that has not been previously described or identified.
Nondescript
/nɑndəˈskɹɪpt/ adj, noun
adj, noun ·Moderate ·College level
Meaning at a glance
- Primary sense: A species or other type of creature that has not been previously described or identified.
- Grammar: nondescript is listed as adj, noun.
- Nearest alternatives: amorphic, amorphous, anarchic, anonymous person.
- Useful contrasts: conspicuous, corporeal presence, descriptive statistics.
- Usage evidence: The key was hidden under a nondescript stone.
How to use "nondescript"
- Start with the primary definition, then check the part of speech before placing the word in a sentence.
- Compare nearby synonyms to make sure "nondescript" carries the exact meaning, tone, and strength you need.
- Use the example sentence as a context check. If your sentence uses the word differently, confirm that the grammar still fits.
Meaning check
- Does the word fit the sentence's grammar?
- Does it match the intended tone rather than only the dictionary definition?
- Would a simpler synonym be clearer for the reader?
- Is there enough surrounding context to prevent ambiguity?
Source and review context
This entry combines structured lexical data with WordToolSet review checks. Definitions, examples, synonyms, and usage notes may come from different source tables, so the page is designed to show evidence from more than one angle before you rely on "nondescript" in a final draft.
If a word has several senses, prefer the sense that matches your sentence's grammar and surrounding context. A correct definition can still be the wrong choice when the sentence needs a different register, emphasis, or level of specificity.
Before you rely on this definition
Read the first definition as a starting point, then check the example, synonyms, and part of speech before treating "nondescript" as the right word for your sentence.
If your draft is formal, technical, persuasive, or sensitive, compare "nondescript" with a nearby alternative so the final choice matches both meaning and reader expectation.
Compare nearby meanings
- Use synonyms when you need a softer, stronger, simpler, or more specific word.
- Use antonyms to check the boundary of the meaning and avoid accidental contrast.
- Use the example sentence to confirm the word behaves naturally in context.
- Keep the original wording when a replacement adds complexity without improving precision.
Definition decision workflow
1. Identify the role
Check whether "nondescript" is acting as adj, noun in your sentence. A definition is only useful when the grammar matches the way the word is being used.
2. Test the nearest option
Compare it with "amorphic" and other nearby choices to see whether the sentence needs a softer, stronger, or more familiar word.
3. Confirm with context
Use the example sentence below as an evidence check, then read your own sentence out loud to catch tone or rhythm problems.
Review note: Definition pages are checked for source coverage, sentence evidence, synonym support, and editorial insight before they are treated as approval-ready pages. If the evidence is too thin, the page remains available to users but is kept out of the approval-facing indexed inventory.
Final meaning check
Before publishing a sentence with "nondescript", ask whether the word helps the reader understand the idea faster. A precise word should reduce confusion, not simply make the sentence look more polished.
When the definition, synonym evidence, and example context point in the same direction, the word is usually a safer choice. When they conflict, revise the sentence or choose a clearer alternative.
Definitions
Noun
- 1 A species or other type of creature that has not been previously described or identified.
"Imagination has given figure and character to centaurs, satyrs, and down to all the fairy tribe; but titles baffle even the powers of fancy, and are a chimerical non-descript."
- 2 a person who is not easily classified and not very interesting wordnet
- 3 An undistinguished, unexceptional person or thing.
"In thoroughfares nigh the docks, any considerable seaport will frequently offer to view the queerest looking nondescripts from foreign parts."
- 4 An unmarked police car. UK
"By a nice British compromise, the enforcement car — visible just then as a white spot on the television screen — has nothing externally to show its police affiliation, but unlike the CID's nondescripts, carries two large policemen in uniform."
Adjective
- 1 Not described (in the academic literature). archaic
- 2 Without distinguishing qualities or characteristics.
"He drove a nondescript silver sedan."
Adjective
- 1 lacking distinct or individual characteristics; dull and uninteresting wordnet
Antonyms
Example
"The key was hidden under a nondescript stone."
Common questions
What is a synonym for "nondescript"?
Common synonyms include: amorphic, amorphous, anarchic, anonymous person, attic, baggy.
How do you use "nondescript" in a sentence?
The key was hidden under a nondescript stone.
How do you pronounce "nondescript"?
Pronounced /nɑndəˈskɹɪpt/.
Etymology
From non- + descript (from Latin dēscrīptus, past participle of dēscrībō).