unpleasant
uhn-PLEHZNT
Unpleasant (adjective) means not enjoyable; causing discomfort or displeasure. Example: “The bus ride was long and unpleasant in the summer heat.”
adjective
1
Not enjoyable; causing discomfort or displeasure.
"The bus ride was long and unpleasant in the summer heat."
"He said some unpleasant things when he lost his temper."
"There was an unpleasant smell coming from the fridge when we opened it."
How to use unpleasant
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishNot nice to experience — uncomfortable, annoying, or disagreeable.
Common pairings
unpleasant surprise
unpleasant smell
unpleasant experience
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Word forms
- Comparative
- unpleasanter, more unpleasant
- Superlative
- unpleasantest, most unpleasant
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
The bus ride was long and _____ in the summer heat.
Etymology
From Middle English unplesaunt, from un- + pleasant.
Synonyms
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Related words
Rhymes for unpleasant
See all rhymes for unpleasant →Frequently asked questions
What does “unpleasant” mean?
The word “unpleasant” means not enjoyable; causing discomfort or displeasure. In plain terms, not nice to experience — uncomfortable, annoying, or disagreeable.
How do you pronounce “unpleasant”?
“Unpleasant” is pronounced uhn-PLEHZNT (/ʌnˈplɛzn̩t/ in IPA).
How do you use “unpleasant” in a sentence?
Here is “unpleasant” used in a sentence: “The bus ride was long and unpleasant in the summer heat.”
What is the opposite of “unpleasant”?
The opposite of “unpleasant” — its antonyms — is pleasant.
What part of speech is “unpleasant”?
“Unpleasant” is an adjective.
Where does the word “unpleasant” come from?
The word “unpleasant” comes from Middle English. From Middle English unplesaunt, from un- + pleasant.
Is “unpleasant” a common word?
“Unpleasant” is an uncommon word in modern English, usually learned at around the A2 level.
What is the difference between unpleasant and disgusting?
Unpleasant is a broad term for anything not enjoyable or that causes discomfort or displeasure, ranging from mildly annoying to seriously distressing. Disgusting is much stronger, describing something that provokes revulsion or strong dislike, such as a foul smell or repulsive sight.
Can unpleasant describe a person as well as a situation?
Yes, unpleasant can describe people, such as an unpleasant colleague who is rude or difficult to deal with, as well as situations, tastes, smells, or experiences that cause discomfort. The word is flexible enough to apply broadly to anything causing displeasure.
What is the difference between unpleasant and uncomfortable?
Unpleasant focuses on something being disagreeable or causing displeasure in a general sense, while uncomfortable specifically emphasizes physical or emotional unease. A conversation can be unpleasant because of its content while also being uncomfortable to sit through.
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