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

That said, whole-virus vaccines can cause more unpleasant side effects, and in rare cases, weakened live pathogens can redevelop infectious capability. —Meghan Bartels, Scientific American, 27 Mar. 2026

Like, what would make this already unpleasant environment even spicier? —Mikey O'Connell, HollywoodReporter, 27 Mar. 2026

These plants contain cardiac glycosides, which can cause unpleasant symptoms for dogs and cats alike, such as drooling, diarrhea, abdominal pain, abnormal heart rhythm, and even some neurologic signs. —Kansas City Star, 24 Mar. 2026

According to an account on Jorginho's Instagram story on Saturday, March 21, his 11-year-old daughter was reduced to tears after an unpleasant run-in with Roan's security guard. —Nicole Fallert, USA Today, 23 Mar. 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