丑陋 (chǒu lòu) is an adjective meaning 'ugly' or 'hideous', often carrying a stronger, more judgmental or emotionally charged connotation than simpler terms like 难看 (nán kàn). The first character 丑 means 'ugly' or 'shameful', and the second 陋 means 'crude', 'uncultured', or 'unrefined'; together, they intensify the sense of unattractiveness—especially in appearance, behavior, or moral quality. It’s commonly used to describe physical features, objects, actions, or abstract concepts like attitudes or social phenomena.

This word frequently appears in formal writing, literature, or critical commentary—not in casual speech among friends, where it may sound harsh or overly dramatic. While it can describe appearance (e.g., a deformed animal or shabby building), it’s also applied metaphorically: an 'ugly lie' or 'ugly prejudice' emphasizes moral repugnance, not just visual displeasure. Learners should note its negative emotional weight and avoid using it lightly in everyday conversation.