frumpy
adjective C2
Plain meaning
unfashionable and unattractive in clothing or appearance
Exam-register meaning
In formal or high-level texts, it is used to describe unfashionable and unattractive in clothing or appearance, often with a precise or specialised tone.
In context
naturalHis response sounded frumpy, so the conversation became difficult.
examThe passage presents a frumpy assessment of the policy’s wider consequences.
Common collocations
a frumpy responsefrumpy behavioura frumpy situation
Watch out
Do not use “very frumpy” automatically; some advanced adjectives already carry a strong meaning or need a more natural intensifier.
Word family
frumpyness (noun, where natural)frumpyly (adverb, where natural)