unpopular

adjective

un·​pop·​u·​lar ˌən-ˈpä-pyə-lər 

: not popular : viewed or received unfavorably by the public

unpopularity

ˌən-ˌpä-pyə-ˈler-ə-tē 

-ˈla-rə-

noun

unpopularly adverb

Examples of unpopular in a Sentence

I was unpopular in high school.

Her third album has been unpopular with fans.

Recent conflicts have made him unpopular among the staff.

Recent Examples on the Web

Instead, most Republicans stood firm in a critical hearing with an administration waging a hugely unpopular war, while Democrats highlighted the gap between its premature victory laps and the current stalemate. — Arpita Dasika, CNN Money, 22 July 2026

At times, when the pragmatism of Deschamps became unpopular, there was a clamour for it. — Amy Lawrence, New York Times, 21 July 2026

Such a concept would be highly unpopular in Lebanon and potentially embarrass Aoun. — ABC News, 21 July 2026

Trump’s approval rating has dropped in recent weeks and months amid the unpopular conflict in Iran and broad concerns about its effect on domestic prices. — Carter Schroppe, The Washington Examiner, 19 July 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1614, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for unpopular

• maculopapular
• popular

Kids Definition

unpopular

adjective

un·​pop·​u·​lar ˌən-ˈpäp-yə-lər 

ˈən-

: not popular : disliked by many people

unpopularity

ˌən-ˌpäp-yə-ˈlar-ət-ē 

noun