distasteful

1 of 2

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

distastefulness

2 of 2

noun

dis·​taste·​ful·​ness

-fəlnə̇s

: the quality or state of being distasteful

Synonyms of distasteful

Adjective

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

Examples of distasteful in a Sentence

Adjective

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

Adjective

South Florida beaches have been inundated by waves of sargassum in recent weeks — while visually distasteful to some, the seaweed is not usually harmful to humans, and occupies a critical niche in marine ecosystems. —Sarah Perkel, USA Today, 16 June 2026

Even comedian Shane Gillis, who's been in hot water for his own distasteful jokes, wasn't a fan of Hokit's words. —Leigh Blickley, Entertainment Weekly, 15 June 2026

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

Word History

First Known Use

Adjective

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