ENGLISH
REFERENCE

unpleasant

adj.
B1 Intermediate Oxford US //ənˈpɫɛzənt// UK //ʌnplˈɛzənt// un·pleas·ant General-service

adj. not nice or enjoyable. You use it to describe things that make you feel uncomfortable, unhappy, or slightly annoyed.

adj. causing discomfort, dissatisfaction, or displeasure. Often used to describe sensory experiences or social interactions that are disagreeable without being extreme.


SIMPLE

The medicine has a very unpleasant taste.

CONTEXTUAL

We had to cancel our picnic because the weather turned cold and unpleasant.

COMPLEX

The manager was forced to have an unpleasant conversation with the staff regarding the recent budget cuts and potential layoffs.

Antonyms
Origin

From Middle English unplesaunt, equivalent to un- + pleasant.

Usage

Commonly modifies nouns related to senses (smell, taste) or social situations (surprise, task).

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