unpleasantness

American  

[uhn-plez-uhnt-nis] / ʌnˈplɛz ənt nɪs /

noun

1. the quality or state of being unpleasant.

2. something that is displeasing or offensive, as an experience, event, or situation.

   An unpleasantness made them ill-at-ease.

3. an unpleasant feeling or sensation caused by disagreeable or painful stimuli.

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unpleasantness British  

/ ʌnˈplɛzəntnɪs /

noun

1. the state or quality of being unpleasant

2. an unpleasant event, situation, etc

3. a disagreement or quarrel

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Etymology

Origin of unpleasantness

First recorded in 1540–50; unpleasant + -ness

Example Sentences

I don’t know why I endured that unpleasantness for so long, or why the ridiculousness of it dawned on me that day in Texas.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 8, 2026

And the feeling of unpleasantness in San Francisco about human misery—people who are having some real hard, difficult times living so close to people who are making fortunes that are unbelievable—that hasn’t changed.

From Slate • Aug. 15, 2025

That the unpleasantness turns out to be time well spent is a credit to Leigh’s curiosity about miserable jerks and the joy-sucking traps they set for themselves and others.

From Los Angeles Times • Jan. 9, 2025

Eileen’s unpleasantness is also her appeal; this girl certainly is no boss, she’s incapable of rousing speeches, and she’s never going to mutate into a heroine.

From New York Times • Nov. 30, 2023

Yet after a week of Val’s and Murdoch’s acid comments, together with the expected unpleasantness of my sister, I emerged for dinner with a clean face.

From "Double Helix" by James D. Watson

Related Words

• animosity
• antagonism