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.
Indeed, in the same study, the researchers found that the more related to bodily functions a word was—or the more similar in meaning to moist a word was (say, wet or damp)—the more likely it also was rated high on aversive scales by the same people who found moist unpleasant. Literary Hub, 21 Apr. 2026 Along the way there are medical emergencies, a drug trip, a private jet to a private Hot Chip concert somewhere mountainous and snowy, some unpleasant business with a dog, heartfelt conversations and existential crises. Robert Lloyd, Boston Herald, 19 Apr. 2026 The spandex-blend material is ultra-stretchy, and there’s no unpleasant digging or pinching courtesy of the zipper- and button-free design. Izzy Baskette, PEOPLE, 18 Apr. 2026 Along the way there are medical emergencies, a drug trip, a private jet to a private Hot Chip concert somewhere mountainous and snowy, some unpleasant business with a dog, heartfelt conversations and existential crises. Television Critic, Los Angeles Times, 16 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 28 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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