unpleasant
The unpleasant smell made everyone leave the room quickly.
The bad odor caused people to leave immediately.
causing discomfort, annoyance, or distress
The unpleasant taste of the medicine made it hard to swallow.
The bad flavor of the medication made it difficult to take.
She had an unpleasant encounter with a rude customer.
She experienced an uncomfortable interaction with an impolite person.
Often used to describe sensory experiences, social interactions, or situations that evoke negative feelings.
Collocations
Related Phrases
Pro Tip
Context Matters
Use 'unpleasant' for mild to moderate discomfort, while 'horrible' or 'terrible' may be stronger.
Gold Rule
Avoid Overuse
Overusing 'unpleasant' can make your speech or writing sound repetitive. Vary your vocabulary with synonyms.
Word Origin
From Middle English 'unplesaunt,' from Old French 'desplaisant,' from Latin 'displicare' (to displease).
Usage Notes
Commonly used to describe sensory experiences (smell, taste, touch) or social situations that evoke discomfort.