What term is used to describe something that is unpleasant to look at?

The term that specifically describes something as unpleasant to look at is "eye sore." This phrase vividly conveys the idea that the object in question is not only visually unappealing but also has a strong negative effect on one’s enjoyment or appreciation of the environment. An "eye sore" typically refers to something that stands out in a negative way, grabbing attention not for positive reasons but rather due to its unattractiveness or disarray compared to its surroundings.

In contrast, while "unattractive" may suggest that something is not pleasing to look at, it is a more general term and doesn’t carry the same connotation of being glaringly unpleasant as "eye sore" does. The word "plain" refers to something that lacks distinctive features and does not necessarily imply that it is unpleasant. Similarly, "distasteful" can refer to something that is offensive or unappealing in a broader sense and does not specifically address visual unpleasantness. Thus, "eye sore" is the most precise expression for describing something visually unappealing.