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

Standing water, combined with food residue, can create unpleasant odors. —Jessica Safavimehr, Southern Living, 27 Feb. 2026

Many people feel an unpleasant building sensation before a tic, called a premonitory urge, describing it like an itch that needs to be scratched. —Rena Zito, Fortune, 26 Feb. 2026

Removing Prestianni from the fray in the meantime might at least ensure that a highly unpleasant scenario doesn’t get any worse. —Phil Hay, New York Times, 24 Feb. 2026

Other signs may include an unpleasant smell or excess dust. —Rae Ford, Martha Stewart, 23 Feb. 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