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

What truly stands out is the separate shoe compartment, which is ventilated to prevent unpleasant odors. —Sophie Dodd, Travel + Leisure, 17 June 2026

Sirianni hesitates for a moment, like the school troublemaker on the verge of another unpleasant trip to the principal’s office. —Michael Silver, New York Times, 16 June 2026

And then there are these really intense moments of violence that are abrupt and unpleasant. —Brent Lang, Variety, 16 June 2026

One is the self-help book Your Turn, whose arrival will result in some unpleasant consequences before the end of the episode. —Keith Phipps, Vulture, 15 June 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