unpleasant

adjective

un·​pleas·​ant ˌən-ˈple-zᵊnt How to pronounce unpleasant (audio)
Synonyms of unpleasantnext
: not pleasant : not amiable or agreeable : displeasing
unpleasant odors
unpleasantly adverb

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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
To avoid unpleasant digestive side effects, start by adding 1 tablespoon (or less) to your recipes. Kirsten Nunez, Martha Stewart, 10 Apr. 2026 Dahl’s books are fanciful and imaginative, but also dark, cynical, and mean (and, unfortunately, often reflected his real-life ugliness), spinning stories in which gruesome and unpleasant fates befell rotten kids, and adults were frequently selfish, cruel, and not to be trusted. Wilson Chapman, IndieWire, 10 Apr. 2026 Jet lag, dehydration, stress, and even slight disruptions to a regular meal schedule can result in unpleasant bathroom difficulties. Andrew Paul, Popular Science, 9 Apr. 2026 The streets are covered in urine (dog or otherwise), and the subways are filled with unpleasant surprises. Genevieve Cepeda, Travel + Leisure, 9 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for unpleasant

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of unpleasant was in the 15th century

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Cite this Entry

“Unpleasant.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/unpleasant. Accessed 18 Apr. 2026.

Kids Definition

unpleasant

adjective
un·​pleas·​ant ˌən-ˈplez-ᵊnt How to pronounce unpleasant (audio)
ˈən-
: not pleasant : not friendly or agreeable : displeasing
unpleasantly adverb
unpleasantness noun

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