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

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

For them, however much that one individual can spend doesn’t equate to how much the brand would lose if their best customers found that person distasteful. — Lilian Raji, Forbes.com, 6 May 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

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