unpleasant

adjective

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

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 Caffeine intoxication ranges from unpleasant to life-threatening Caffeine intoxication creates a variety of severely damaging effects on the body. Jocelyn Solis-Moreira, CNN, 11 Mar. 2024 Documentary filmmaker Dan Reed doesn’t shy away from unpleasant topics. Frank Scheck, The Hollywood Reporter, 11 Mar. 2024 This product felt and smelled like ultrasound jelly, which was unpleasant. Phoebe Sklansky, Parents, 7 Mar. 2024 Things to Consider These capsules contain a minty liquid to avoid any unpleasant flavors, but this may not be appropriate for those with an allergy or a general distaste for mint. Shushy Rita Setrakian Ms, Verywell Health, 21 Feb. 2024 People poisoned from eating fish containing the toxin experience unpleasant gastrointestinal, neurological and even cardiac symptoms that typically resolve within a few days, but could last weeks, according to Johns Hopkins School of Medicine. David Goodhue, Miami Herald, 28 Feb. 2024 The way norovirus is transmitted is just as unpleasant as the illness. Cara Lynn Shultz, Peoplemag, 26 Feb. 2024 But Take Note While this is fragrance-free sunscreen, there is a slight smell some may find unpleasant. Ambrosia V. Brody, Parents, 20 Feb. 2024 Participants were asked to sniff 24 odor samples from glass jars, which could be pleasant, neutral or unpleasant. Aria Bendix, NBC News, 13 Feb. 2024

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 19 Mar. 2024.

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

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