untelegenic
Bad on screen
Untelegenic describes someone or something that doesn't come across well on television—lacking the visual appeal, charisma, or polish that translates to the screen.
A politician might be brilliant in person but untelegenic, appearing stiff or awkward on camera: His untelegenic manner hurt him in the debates.
The word extends to anything unsuited to television's visual demands.
Basic and unremarkable
- homelyUnattractive in appearance
- unattractiveNot pleasing aesthetically
- drabDull and cheerless
- dowdyUnstylish in appearance
frumpy · unstylish · unpresentable · unpolished · rough · unkempt · unflattering · harsh
Lacking grace or ease
- stiffNot easily bent
- woodenMade from timber
- ungainlyLacking ease of movement
- gracelessLacking smoothness or charm
haggard · sallow · disheveled · rumpled · sweaty · pallid · gaunt · fidgety
Image capturing device
- screenDisplay or barrier
- studioCreative professional's workspace
- teleprompterElectronic script display device
- lightingArt of illuminating spaces
footage · anchor · correspondent · interview · soundbite · close-up · high-definition · live
Attractive personal quality
- presenceState of being somewhere
- likabilityQuality of being pleasant
- magnetismForce between poles
- appealFormal review request
warmth · relatability · authenticity · credibility · trustworthiness · persona · demeanor · stature
plain
Basic and unremarkable
- homelyUnattractive in appearance
- unattractiveNot pleasing aesthetically
- drabDull and cheerless
dowdy · frumpy · unstylish · unpresentable · unpolished · rough · unkempt · unflattering · harsh · washed-out
awkward
Lacking grace or ease
graceless · haggard · sallow · disheveled · rumpled · sweaty · pallid · gaunt · fidgety · nervous
camera
Image capturing device
- screenDisplay or barrier
- studioCreative professional's workspace
- teleprompterElectronic script display device
lighting · footage · anchor · correspondent · interview · soundbite · close-up · high-definition · live · on-air
charm
Attractive personal quality
- presenceState of being somewhere
- likabilityQuality of being pleasant
- magnetismForce between poles
appeal · warmth · relatability · authenticity · credibility · trustworthiness · persona · demeanor · stature · impression
untelegenictelegenic
Appealing on camera
photogenic · camera-ready · mediagenic · screen presence · star quality
telegenic, tele, television, televise, televised, televising, telegram, telegraph, telegraphy