unpleasant

adjective

un·​pleas·​ant ˌən-ˈple-zᵊnt 

: not pleasant : not amiable or agreeable : displeasing

unpleasant odors

unpleasantly adverb

Synonyms

• bad
• bitter
• disagreeable
• displeasing
• distasteful
• harsh
• icky
• nasty
• rotten
• sour
• uncongenial
• unlovely
• unpalatable
• unpleasing
• unsavory
• unwelcome
• wicked
• yucky
• yukky

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

Investors were greeted with unpleasant inflation data on Tuesday. —Michael Khouw, CNBC, 13 Feb. 2025

The steam emanating from the hot oats began to cook the egg whites, which gave the dish an unpleasant scrambled egg-like texture. —Ashia Aubourg, Outside Online, 6 Feb. 2025

The liver breaks down alcohol into acetaldehyde, a toxic compound that can cause inflammation, nausea, and other unpleasant side effects. —Matt Rozo, The Mercury News, 31 Jan. 2025

Comparing 2005 to 2025 is going to be unpleasant, but the Sox are back in full rebuild mode, where the focus is on the young talent in the minors and the big-league roster. —Jon Greenberg, The Athletic, 25 Jan. 2025

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