distasteful

adjective

dis·​taste·​ful (ˌ)dis-ˈtāst-fəl 

1

a

: objectionable because offensive to one's personal taste : unpleasant, disagreeable

found the job distasteful

a shady, distasteful character

b

: objectionable because in poor taste, inappropriate, or unethical

distasteful jokes/behavior

2

: unpleasant to the taste

distasteful unripe fruit

distastefully

(ˌ)dis-ˈtāst-fə-lē 

adverb

distastefulness noun

Synonyms of distasteful

• unpalatable
• unappetizing
• horrible
• unsavory
• bad
• awful
• nasty
• brackish
• repugnant
• repulsive
• yucky
• obnoxious
• bland
• revolting

Examples of distasteful in a Sentence

The work was distasteful, but it was the best I could find at the time.

It was a distasteful subject to him.

Recent Examples on the Web

But there’s a difference between popular entertainment and what Trump is planning, which many citizens find distasteful—and is thus unsuited for a jubilee meant to unite us. —Conor Friedersdorf, The Atlantic, 6 June 2026

That brinkmanship play was distasteful back then, but the leaders picked a lane and pursued it. —The Editorial Board, Chicago Tribune, 5 June 2026

Squirrels may even find the scent distasteful. —Samantha Johnson, Martha Stewart, 2 June 2026

How’s a Machiavelli in Manolo Blahniks expected to properly dictate taste in this kind of distasteful environment? —David Fear, Rolling Stone, 29 Apr. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1607, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Rhymes for distasteful

• tasteful
• wasteful

Kids Definition

distasteful

adjective

dis·​taste·​ful dis-ˈtāst-fəl 

: causing displeasure : unpleasant, disagreeable

distastefully

-fə-lē 

adverb

distastefulness noun