unpopular

adjective

un·​pop·​u·​lar ˌən-ˈpä-pyə-lər 

: not popular : viewed or received unfavorably by the public

unpopularity

ˌən-ˌpä-pyə-ˈler-ə-tē 

-ˈla-rə-

noun

unpopularly adverb

Examples of unpopular in a Sentence

I was unpopular in high school.

Her third album has been unpopular with fans.

Recent conflicts have made him unpopular among the staff.

Recent Examples on the Web

Trump currently faces mounting pressure over a highly unpopular war in Iran, along with rising gas prices and concerns about the cost of living. — Brian Stelter, CNN Money, 19 Sep. 2026

The merger has been unpopular in Hollywood because the combination of two similar companies is expected to erase at least 4,500 jobs, according to a recent report from Los Angeles County’s Department of Economic Opportunity. — Meg James, Los Angeles Times, 19 Sep. 2026

Mobilization speculation Some external observers have said Russian authorities appear to have been preparing the ground for a fresh wave of military mobilization after the State Duma election, a prospect that is deeply unpopular within Russia. — Sam Meredith,anniek Bao, CNBC, 17 Sep. 2026

The vote ended in a 220 to 204 tally, marking a symbolic rebuke of the president over the largely unpopular war. — Caitlin Yilek, CBS News, 16 Sep. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1614, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for unpopular

• maculopapular
• popular

Kids Definition

unpopular

adjective

un·​pop·​u·​lar ˌən-ˈpäp-yə-lər 

ˈən-

: not popular : disliked by many people

unpopularity

ˌən-ˌpäp-yə-ˈlar-ət-ē 

noun