unpleasant
Americanadjective
adjective
Other Word Forms
Etymology
Origin of unpleasant
Explanation
Something unpleasant is disagreeable, painful, or annoying in some way. No one likes unpleasant experiences. Since pleasant things are enjoyable in some way, unpleasant things are hard to enjoy. Being in pain is unpleasant. So is being stuck in traffic. It's unpleasant when someone is rude. If your feelings or senses don't like something, it's likely unpleasant. The word pleasant comes from the French plaisir, "to please." If something doesn't please you, it's unpleasant.
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.
As unpleasant as his job might be at the moment, Harbaugh is ostensibly safe.
From Los Angeles Times ● Oct. 5, 2026
"We all really care about the river, it's definitely killing wildlife and it's very unpleasant," he said.
From BBC ● Sep. 28, 2026
"People talk about individual unpleasant situations in everyday life much more often," he said.
From Barron's ● Sep. 26, 2026
When one happens, the ingredients will combine in a very unpleasant and bitter dish.
From MarketWatch ● Sep. 23, 2026
With them was the Earl of Maytag, another unpleasant acquaintance of Lord Fredrick whom Penelope had met in the past.
From "The Interrupted Tale" by Maryrose Wood
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.
