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

Like them, his music seesaws between aggressive and playful, between crowd-pleasing and purposefully unpleasant. — Jayson Greene, Pitchfork, 14 July 2026

Even for those unafraid of ICE, a long drive to church has grown more unpleasant because of high gas prices. — Jack Herrera, New Yorker, 14 July 2026

There are several clues to why Venus is such a hot, unpleasant planet today. — Vahe Peroomian, The Conversation, 13 July 2026

The settings range from the Garden of Eden to his own kitchen, which is invoked twice in this album as a place where unpleasant things happen. — Chris Willman, Variety, 11 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