adjective
unpleasant
Causing discomfort or displeasure.
An unpleasant smell drifts from the trash can beside the sink.
Etymology
Pleasant concerns what gives pleasure. The negative prefix marks something that instead brings discomfort, displeasure, or aversion.
More examples
- The medicine leaves an unpleasant taste in my mouth.
- We have an unpleasant conversation about the unpaid bills.
- He becomes unpleasant when anyone questions his decisions.
Forms
unpleasant · more unpleasant · most unpleasant
unpleasantness noun — The quality of causing discomfort or displeasure.
unpleasantly adverb — In a way that causes discomfort or displeasure.
Similar words
- disagreeable
- Emphasizes annoyance or displeasure rather than physical discomfort.
- uncomfortable
- Focuses on physical discomfort or a feeling of unease.