unpleasant

adjective

un·​pleas·​ant ˌən-ˈple-zᵊnt How to pronounce unpleasant (audio)
: not pleasant : not amiable or agreeable : displeasing
unpleasant odors
unpleasantly adverb

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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
An unwelcome raise Working-age Americans who get health insurance through their jobs will soon confront an unpleasant fact – the largest health insurance rate increases since 2010, reports my colleague Ken Alltucker. Betty Lin-Fisher, USA Today, 12 Sep. 2025 Food particles, grease, and soap residue can clog the filter, leaving dishes less than sparkling and even creating unpleasant odors over time. Mary Catherine McAnnally Scott, Southern Living, 12 Sep. 2025 Having expectations of an unpleasant scenario confirmed doesn't take away its sting. Yeo Boon Ping, CNBC, 12 Sep. 2025 Frequent nicks, ingrown hairs, dry patches, and razor burn can result when relying on shaving as your primary hair removal method — but with the proper tools and techniques, these unpleasant side effects can be avoided. Maggie Horton, PEOPLE, 11 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for unpleasant

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of unpleasant was in the 15th century

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Cite this Entry

“Unpleasant.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/unpleasant. Accessed 16 Sep. 2025.

Kids Definition

unpleasant

adjective
un·​pleas·​ant ˌən-ˈplez-ᵊnt How to pronounce unpleasant (audio)
ˈən-
: not pleasant : not friendly or agreeable : displeasing
unpleasantly adverb
unpleasantness noun

More from Merriam-Webster on unpleasant

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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