Unpresentable

Describing someone or something that is not suitable or acceptable to be seen or shown, especially due to being in a poor condition, disheveled, or lacking refinement. It suggests a lack of decorum, orderliness, or attractiveness, making the subject unsuitable for social situations, public display, or formal contexts. The term emphasizes a visual or aesthetic judgment, often implying a degree of embarrassment or shame associated with the appearance. It can also refer to behavior that is considered inappropriate or offensive. Essentially, it conveys a sense of something being unfit for presentation or exposure to others.

Unpresentable meaning with examples

• After the long journey and facing a broken down car, Sarah felt completely unpresentable, with mud smeared on her clothes and her hair a tangled mess. She hesitated to walk into the hotel lobby, knowing she looked far from presentable, but needed to request help. She worried about making a terrible first impression.
• The dilapidated state of the abandoned house made it unpresentable for sale. Years of neglect had left the paint peeling, windows broken, and the garden overgrown. Prospective buyers would be immediately turned off by its unkempt appearance, severely affecting its market value, making renovation essential.
• He knew his behavior at the party had been unpresentable. He had a little too much to drink, becoming boisterous and offensive, making some of the guests uncomfortable. The next day, he felt considerable shame and embarrassment, knowing his actions had created an unpleasant atmosphere, which affected his reputation.
• The worn-out and stained tablecloth made the dining room feel instantly unpresentable for their dinner party. She rushed to find a replacement, knowing the soiled cloth would detract from the otherwise elegant setting. The host preferred to set the table and wanted to give the best impression, hence a new tablecloth.
• The report, filled with grammatical errors, poor formatting, and rambling thoughts was deemed unpresentable to the board members. It was so sloppy that it reflected poorly on the author and the company. The editor recommended a complete rewrite to improve the report's quality, so as not to be considered unrefined.