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  

/ ˌʌnpɒpjʊˈlærɪtɪ, ʌnˈpɒpjʊlə /

adjective

1. not popular with an individual or group of people

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Other Word Forms

• unpopularity
  noun
• unpopularly
  adverb

Etymology

Origin of unpopular

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

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

The company’s AI models are relatively unpopular with U.S. businesses, according to Ramp data, and just a fifth of its monthly active users had used AI features as of March 31, according to the company.

From MarketWatch • Jun. 16, 2026

But the next governor is going to face some really tough challenges, including a structural budget deficit that’s probably going to require both painful cuts and unpopular tax hikes.

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 7, 2026

Corruption has become a top concern for Mexicans, polls show, while Rocha remains broadly unpopular in Sinaloa and elsewhere in the country.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 6, 2026

The soulless bowl that is London Stadium, so unpopular with fans after their beloved, atmospheric Upton Park, will now play host to Championship football.

From BBC • May 25, 2026

All glorious reigns have these blank patches, during which the Crown is unpopular.

From "The Once and Future King" by T. H. White