cacophonous

Cacophonous is an adjective describing a harsh, discordant mixture of sounds. It refers to noises that clash or jangle, producing an unpleasant, jarring effect on the listener. The term is commonly used in music criticism, acoustics, and descriptions of noisy environments, but it can also be applied metaphorically to describe discordant combinations of ideas, colors, or other elements that fail to form a harmonious whole.

Etymology: The word derives from Greek kakophonos meaning “bad sound,” formed from kakos meaning “bad” and phone meaning “sound.” The related noun cacophony entered English in the 19th century, and cacophonous is the adjective form that describes the auditory quality.

Usage notes: In practice, cacophonous emphasizes the overall auditory effect rather than a single bad note. It is commonly used to describe busy urban soundscapes, metal or industrial clamor, or choral or orchestral passages that lack tonal coherence. Synonyms include discordant, dissonant, and jarring; antonyms include euphonious and harmonious.

Examples: The downtown street after the parade was a cacophonous blend of car horns, drums, and shouted announcements. The orchestra’s finale turned from lyrical to cacophonous as instruments overlapped out of tune. In literature, a cacophonous style may mirror a chaotic or oppressive atmosphere.