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

There are some cool moments here, but the overall effect is unpleasant. —Erik Kain, Forbes.com, 12 June 2025

People did not bathe much in those days and by spreading herbs that released pleasant aromas when walked upon, unpleasant odors could be disguised. —Joshua Siskin, Oc Register, 12 June 2025

Most dogs will be diagnosed with the unpleasant ailment at least once in their life. —Laura Baisas, Popular Science, 11 June 2025

The authors speculate that young, curious dogs scavenge and eat items they are not supposed to, leading to unpleasant accidents. —Liz O'Connell, MSNBC Newsweek, 11 June 2025

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for unpleasant

• omnipresent
• peasant
• pheasant
• pleasant
• present

Kids Definition

unpleasant

adjective

un·​pleas·​ant ˌən-ˈplez-ᵊnt 

ˈən-

: not pleasant : not friendly or agreeable : displeasing

unpleasantly adverb

unpleasantness noun