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

Addressing clogs early prevents bigger plumbing issues and unpleasant smells. —Abby Monteil, The Spruce, 2 June 2026

Along with hot, humid weather comes unpleasant smells at the sink and in trash cans and recycling bins. —Emerson Latham, Better Homes & Gardens, 30 May 2026

An open box will absorb unpleasant smells in your bathroom for up to four months. —Bestreviews, Mercury News, 29 May 2026

Though a person infected with the virus may experience unpleasant symptoms, others may be asymptomatic. —Mary Walrath-Holdridge, USA Today, 29 May 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