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

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

If tax season wasn't already unpleasant enough, the 2026 tax cycle could soon be bogged down by a looming government shutdown. —Marina Johnson, Louisville Courier Journal, 29 Jan. 2026

If tax season wasn't already unpleasant enough, the 2026 tax cycle could get bogged down by a looming government shutdown. —Mary Walrath-Holdridge, Freep.com, 29 Jan. 2026

The legal fight got unpleasant quickly. —Beatrice Nolan, Fortune, 28 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