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

Dishwasher Avoid costly water damage and a very unpleasant surprise upon your return home from vacation by unplugging the dishwasher and turning off the water supply altogether. —Maria Sabella, Better Homes & Gardens, 13 May 2026

Because the bran is intact, the bread has a noticeable but not unpleasant mild grit. —Sean Timberlake, Sacbee.com, 13 May 2026

There are telltale signs that there's too much moisture in your house, from condensation to unpleasant odors. —Hallie Milstein, Southern Living, 13 May 2026

Moisture and residue trapped in the rubber seal can lead to mold and unpleasant smells that transfer to clean clothes. —Lauren Jarvis-Gibson, Miami Herald, 12 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