Macmillan Dictionary

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Describing sounds that are unpleasant to listen to

tuneless

adjective

not pleasant to listen to

monotonous

adjective

a monotonous sound or voice is boring and unpleasant because it does not change in loudness or become higher or lower

harsh

adjective

harsh sounds are unpleasant because they are not soft, gentle, or smooth

jarring

adjective

a jarring noise is unpleasant and starts suddenly and unexpectedly

brittle

adjective

a brittle sound is rather sharp and unpleasant

tinny

adjective

a tinny sound is high and unpleasant

scratchy

adjective

a scratchy record, voice etc makes an unpleasant sound like two rough surfaces rubbing together

piercing

adjective

very loud, high, and unpleasant

brassy

adjective

a brassy sound is loud and unpleasant

cacophonous

adjective

charticle

a news article that consists of a chart … and only has a small amount of text

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never event

an event that should never occur in a healthcare setting …

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