unpleasant

adjective

un·​pleas·​ant ˌən-ˈple-zᵊnt How to pronounce unpleasant (audio)
: not pleasant : not amiable or agreeable : displeasing
unpleasant odors
unpleasantly adverb

Example Sentences

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 So if your activewear is starting to smell unpleasant, this detergent will set things right in no time! Amber Smith, Discover Magazine, 10 Apr. 2023 Cutting spending doesn’t have to be unpleasant; Howard prefers to think of it as bringing her closer to financial abundance rather than being restrictive. Alicia Adamczyk, Fortune, 21 Mar. 2023 However, the neighborhood can become unpleasant, especially at night, with many people under the influence lingering for extended periods, affecting the residents' quality of life and safety, according to a mayor's press release. Dario Sabaghi, Forbes, 13 Feb. 2023 But uneven throttle responses and unpleasant, unsporting sounds relegate it to the budget-buyer’s choice. Eric Stafford, Car and Driver, 24 Mar. 2023 When compromise is elusive and coexistence is unpleasant, citizens have three options to get their way: Defeat the other side, eliminate the other side or get away from the other side. Michael J. Lee, The Conversation, 20 Mar. 2023 Discovering that your students have tried to get a leg up by using an AI chatbot like ChatGPT has made the process even more unpleasant. Chris Lee, Ars Technica, 21 Feb. 2023 As the Moon in your responsibility sector impacts complex Uranus in your conversational 3rd house, someone may start hinting at something unpleasant. Tarot Astrologers, Chicago Tribune, 8 Jan. 2023 That would taste very strong and unpleasant. Priya Krishna, Bon Appétit, 2 Apr. 2023 See More

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'unpleasant.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of unpleasant was in the 15th century

Dictionary Entries Near unpleasant

Cite this Entry

“Unpleasant.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/unpleasant. Accessed 31 May. 2023.

Kids Definition

unpleasant

adjective
un·​pleas·​ant ˌən-ˈplez-ᵊnt How to pronounce unpleasant (audio)
ˈən-
: not pleasant : not friendly or agreeable : displeasing
unpleasantly adverb
unpleasantness noun

More from Merriam-Webster on unpleasant

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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