unpleasant

adjective

un·​pleas·​ant ˌən-ˈple-zᵊnt 

: not pleasant : not amiable or agreeable : displeasing

unpleasant odors

unpleasantly adverb

Synonyms of unpleasant

• unpleasing
• harsh
• bad
• nasty
• ugly
• bitter
• sour
• horrible
• disgusting
• awful
• disagreeable
• sickening
• unwelcome
• rotten

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

Warm air, unusual noises, unpleasant smells, or inconsistent cooling could point to low refrigerant, a leak, a worn compressor, or another mechanical issue. — Jessica Safavimehr, Southern Living, 20 July 2026

If left in an open can overnight, the flavor turns tinny and unpleasant. — Jolene Thym, Mercury News, 20 July 2026

After an exciting few weeks, the 2026 FIFA World Cup wrapped up at New Jersey’s MetLife Stadium on Sunday with a very tense—bordering on unpleasant—contest between Spain and Argentina. — Vogue, 19 July 2026

Take Care of Dirty Dishes Immediately Letting dirty dishes pile up inside the sink or on the countertop makes a kitchen look messy and smell unpleasant. — Maria Sabella, Better Homes & Gardens, 19 July 2026

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