ugly duckling

noun

: a person or thing that is not attractive or successful but that is likely to become attractive or successful in the future

Full Definition of UGLY DUCKLING

: one that appears very unpromising but often has great potential

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The Ugly Duckling, story by Hans Christian Andersen

First Known Use: 1869

Next Word in the Dictionary: ugly–nest caterpillarPrevious Word in the Dictionary: Ugly AmericanAll Words Near: ugly duckling

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