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

Until recently, the same went for wearing unpleasant items for the sake of aesthetics—like heavy earrings. —Kaitlyn Yarborough, Southern Living, 29 Dec. 2025

Shot with a particularly daring eye with an inflection of dark humor and a solid soundtrack, Fresh takes a premise that could be terribly unpleasant and turns it into a slick piece of popcorn entertainment. —Kevin Jacobsen, Entertainment Weekly, 25 Dec. 2025

Experts suggest incorporating them gradually to minimize any unpleasant digestive side effects that can happen as a result of the extra fiber. —Cristina Mutchler, Verywell Health, 22 Dec. 2025

Giardia duodenalis is a species of the parasite that causes the same unpleasant symptoms. —Laura Baisas, Popular Science, 19 Dec. 2025

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