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

The water in Griffin was deemed safe to use the same day as the spill, later in the evening, but some residents believed the water still had an unpleasant smell. —Irene Wright, USA Today, 6 Feb. 2026

Some people don’t mind the taste, while others call it fishy and unpleasant. —Bestreviews, Chicago Tribune, 3 Feb. 2026

Over time, ice can absorb unpleasant odors from the freezer. —Olivia McIntosh, Martha Stewart, 31 Jan. 2026

Hair shedding, rashes, dark spots, night sweats, and other unpleasant changes on top of taking care of a new baby (and sleep deprivation) are a lot to deal with. —Alex Vance, Parents, 29 Jan. 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