unpleasant

adjective

un·​pleas·​ant ˌən-ˈple-zᵊnt 

: not pleasant : not amiable or agreeable : displeasing

unpleasant odors

unpleasantly adverb

Synonyms

• bad
• bitter
• disagreeable
• displeasing
• distasteful
• harsh
• icky
• nasty
• rotten
• sour
• uncongenial
• unlovely
• unpalatable
• unpleasing
• unsavory
• unwelcome
• wicked
• yucky
• yukky

Examples of unpleasant in a Sentence

I stopped taking the drug because of its unpleasant side effects.

There was an unpleasant smell coming from the basement.

The weather is so unpleasant here.

I like the shop, but the staff are so unpleasant.

Recent Examples on the Web

Her pregnancies are painful and unpleasant, especially compared to Lenù’s. —Rafaela Bassili, Vulture, 7 Nov. 2024

One way to avoid unpleasant surprises is to keep your restaurant order simple. —Sarah Garone, Condé Nast Traveler, 1 Nov. 2024

No fun, no pleasant surprises (but also no unpleasant surprises) — and no finding out that someone close to you really understands and appreciates you. —Judith Martin, The Mercury News, 28 Oct. 2024

The Hustle But an unpleasant new reality lurks within these supposedly affordable metros. —Mark Dent, thehustle.co, 18 Oct. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

unpleasant

adjective

un·​pleas·​ant ˌən-ˈplez-ᵊnt 

ˈən-

: not pleasant : not friendly or agreeable : displeasing

unpleasantly adverb

unpleasantness noun