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

The findings could help explain why mental fatigue feels unpleasant. — Cody Cottier, Scientific American, 4 Nov. 2026

But our response to the unpleasant experience of cringing encourages us to close off those possibilities and to distance ourselves from the object of our cringe. — Livia Gershon, JSTOR Daily, 3 Nov. 2026

Manage unpleasant odors with a candle or automatic air freshener, take out the trash, and make sure towels are hanging neatly. — Natalia Gonzalez Blanco Serrano, The Spruce, 3 Nov. 2026

George is being extremely unpleasant toward everyone and seems to be moving toward a breakdown. — Alice Burton, Vulture, 2 Nov. 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