unpleasant

adjective

un·​pleas·​ant ˌən-ˈple-zᵊnt 

: not pleasant : not amiable or agreeable : displeasing

unpleasant odors

unpleasantly adverb

Synonyms

• 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

What is normal in the state of dementia, where connections are not being made, where tangle is all, objects take on a curious aspect, and where there is an unpleasant flavor to the hours? —Joy Williams, Harpers Magazine, 24 Oct. 2025

Freshen Shoes The next time your stinky sneakers and overworked sock shoes need freshening, fight those unpleasant odors with paper towels. —Melissa Locker, Southern Living, 24 Oct. 2025

Needless to say, malevolent spirits combined with a constantly escalating chat make for a very unpleasant evening. —PC Magazine, 24 Oct. 2025

Art exhibits now find themselves at the more rarefied end of this unpleasant business. —Lionel Laurent, Twin Cities, 24 Oct. 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