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 While bringing a baby into the world is a sacred and memorable experience, it’s also accompanied by some unpleasant side effects. Laura Lu, Ms, Parents, 21 Mar. 2024 The memory foam seat, backrest, and handles also have antimicrobial technology to protect against bacteria, mold, and mildew buildup, which are known to cause unpleasant stains and odors. Sarah Bradley, Verywell Health, 12 Mar. 2024 But the Russo–Ukrainian War has also revealed another unpleasant reality ... Kyle Balzer, National Review, 12 Mar. 2024 Those who have taken ibogaine liken the experience to a vivid waking dream, one that leads you on a seemingly methodical review of unpleasant life events, especially traumatic ones. Andrew Jacobs, New York Times, 5 Mar. 2024 In lots of cases, diarrhea—though wildly unpleasant—is limited to a loose bowel movement that resolves within a day or so. Christine Byrne, Mph, SELF, 4 Mar. 2024 Experts say this unpleasant feeling can be caused by irritation from synthetic extensions, dryness from lack of moisture, and product build-up. Annie Blay, Allure, 28 Feb. 2024 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

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 28 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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