unpopular
Americanadjective
-
not popular; disliked or ignored by the public or by persons generally.
-
in disfavor with a particular person or group of persons.
adjective
Other Word Forms
Etymology
Origin of unpopular
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.
Vocabulary lists containing unpopular
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
On day one, Mr. Burnham already axed Keir Starmer’s unpopular digital ID plan and promised a more devolved government.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Jul. 24, 2026
Burnham succeeded the unpopular Keir Starmer, ousted only two years after he led Labour to power in a landslide election victory.
From Barron's ● Jul. 23, 2026
According to veteran observers of Israeli politics, Mr. Netanyahu understands that these policies are unpopular.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Jul. 21, 2026
But his arrival will divert attention from the past, from the hugely unpopular and disastrous trade of Doncic to the Lakers for Davis and spare parts on Feb. 1, 2025.
From Los Angeles Times ● Jun. 23, 2026
He had heard them toll for the dead, rejoice when some unpopular act had been repealed, and shudder with bronze rage at tyranny.
From "Johnny Tremain" by Esther Hoskins Forbes
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
