unpleasant

word · lemma: pleasant

/ənˈpɫɛzənt/
uhn-PLEZ-uhnt
/ʌnplˈɛzənt/
uhn-PLEZ-uhnt

Definition

Something unpleasant is not enjoyable, comfortable, or nice. It can describe a person, feeling, smell, experience, or situation that makes you feel bad or uncomfortable.

Usage & Nuances

A common, neutral adjective. Stronger than 'not nice' but usually less strong than 'awful' or 'terrible'. Often used with nouns like 'smell', 'surprise', 'experience', 'weather', and 'conversation'. 'Unfriendly' is better for a person's social behavior; 'unpleasant' is broader and can describe the effect they have on you.

Example Sentences

The medicine has an unpleasant taste.

basic

We had an unpleasant conversation after dinner.

basic

The room smelled unpleasant.

basic

It was an unpleasant surprise to see the bill was twice as high as we expected.

natural

He can be funny, but he gets really unpleasant when he's stressed.

natural

Let's leave now before the weather turns unpleasant.

natural