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ugly duckling

Noun CEFR B2
ˈʌɡ.liː ˌdʌk.lɪŋ

Definitions

  1. A young person who is ugly, but who is expected to become beautiful or handsome as they mature.
    idiomatic
  2. Used other than figuratively or idiomatically: see ugly, duckling.

Equivalents

13 more languages

Examples

“The ugly duckling has become⟳ a very fine swan, and Rachel Sprigg and her team have⟳ worked hard to ensure that Derby is a worthy winner of that coveted National Rail Award. They can be proud of their achievements.”

CEFR level

B2
Upper Intermediate
This word is part of the CEFR B2 vocabulary — upper intermediate level.
See all B2 English words →

See also

ugly finder ugly law ugly man ugly milk-cap ugly sister ugly stick

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