unpleasant

adjective

un·​pleas·​ant ˌən-ˈple-zᵊnt 

: not pleasant : not amiable or agreeable : displeasing

unpleasant odors

unpleasantly adverb

Synonyms

• bad
• bitter
• disagreeable
• displeasing
• distasteful
• harsh
• icky
• nasty
• rotten
• sour
• uncongenial
• unlovely
• unpalatable
• unpleasing
• unsavory
• unwelcome
• wicked
• yucky
• yukky

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 preview also features a first look at the sinister Sensei Wolf (Lewis Tan), who appears to have a very unpleasant, hands-on style with his students. —Kristen Baldwin, EW.com, 23 Oct. 2024

At this point in American history, every citizen of this country probably knows something about former President Donald Trump and probably something rather unpleasant. —Harrison Richlin, IndieWire, 13 Oct. 2024

These days however, an all-white or all-gray bathroom can act as an unpleasant symbol of an outdated trend, and may seem seriously lacking in pizazz. —Hallie Milstein, Southern Living, 7 Oct. 2024

This gives your body time to adjust so there isn’t any unpleasant surprises. —Tribune Content Agency, The Mercury News, 7 Oct. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

unpleasant

adjective

un·​pleas·​ant ˌən-ˈplez-ᵊnt 

ˈən-

: not pleasant : not friendly or agreeable : displeasing

unpleasantly adverb

unpleasantness noun