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

Good palliative care can ensure that patients avoid unpleasant breathlessness, pain, nausea, and other symptoms. —Mark Taubert, Newsweek, 20 Dec. 2024

At the same time, however, many people described unpleasant feelings associated with December. —Madeline Fitzgerald, Quartz, 19 Dec. 2024

Scharffen Berger 70% Cacao Bittersweet Dark Chocolate: A nice snap and melt here, but tasters said there was an acrid quality that gave it an unpleasant finish. —Sam Stone, Bon Appétit, 16 Dec. 2024

While most people are blissfully ignorant of their wastewater’s journey after showering or using the toilet, it’s become an unpleasant fact of life for many El Segundo residents. —Grace Toohey, Los Angeles Times, 16 Dec. 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