Unmelodic

Describing a sound, song, or piece of music that lacks melody or tunefulness; harsh or discordant. It is often used to characterize sounds that are unpleasant to the ear, lacking a pleasing arrangement of notes or a coherent musical structure. This can result from a disorganized combination of sounds, a lack of rhythm, or the use of unusual or unexpected tonal patterns. The term can be applied to instrumental music, vocal performances, or even natural sounds that do not possess a discernible melody. Essentially, 'unmelodic' implies an absence of the elements usually associated with melodic music.

Unmelodic meaning with examples

• The composer, intentionally breaking from convention, crafted an unmelodic piece using only percussive instruments, resulting in a chaotic, jarring soundscape that challenged traditional notions of musical beauty.
• The street performer's attempt at singing was sadly unmelodic, a series of off-key notes that failed to resonate with the small crowd gathered on the corner.
• The rusty hinge on the old gate produced an unmelodic squeak with every opening and closing, a grating sound that disturbed the otherwise peaceful garden.
• The avant-garde jazz composition, while technically complex, leaned heavily into the atonal, resulting in a performance that was described by some as deliberately unmelodic.
• Despite his vocal training, the singer's attempts at high notes often became unmelodic, a series of strained sounds that lacked any musicality or charm.