unpopular

American  

[uhn-pop-yuh-ler] / ʌnˈpɒp jə lər /

adjective

1. not popular; disliked or ignored by the public or by persons generally.

2. in disfavor with a particular person or group of persons.

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unpopular British  

/ ʌnˈpɒpjʊlə /

adjective

1. not popular with an individual or group of people

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Other Word Forms

• unpopularity
  noun
• unpopularly
  adverb

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Etymology

Origin of unpopular

First recorded in 1640–50; un- ¹ + popular

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Explanation

When something is unpopular, it means most people don't like it, like a school lunch that nobody wants to eat or a TV show that nobody watches. Empty theaters and poor reviews indicate that a movie is unpopular. A politician with low approval ratings is unpopular and probably won't be reelected. Unpopular opinions are those that are not widely accepted or well-received. The word unpopular indicates a lack of favor or acceptance that can lead to rejection of products, ideas, and sometimes even people.

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

unpopular

The leaders of the A.I. industries are extremely unpopular and make bad messengers for requesting this sort of access.

From Slate ● Oct. 14, 2026

The plan reopens the fascinating politics and psychology of inheritance tax – which is paid by fewer than one in 20 people, external but has been described as the country's most unpopular tax, external.

From BBC ● Oct. 7, 2026

"It's time to take responsibility for making bold choices, even unpopular ones," he said earlier this year.

From Barron's ● Sep. 27, 2026

The school turned to an unpopular choice: Pete Carroll, a former NFL coach.

From Los Angeles Times ● Sep. 22, 2026

This was good news 'cause if Carver scents you're unpopular, he joins in.

From "Black Swan Green" by David Mitchell

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