Word
unpopular
Phoneticsun·pop·u·lar, stress on the second syllable
US/ˌənˈpɑpjəɫɝ/
UK/ʌnpˈɒpjʊlɐ/
Definitions
01not liked by people
B1 · Intermediate
adj. not liked or enjoyed by many people.
adj. disliked or ignored by a majority of people or a specific social group.
“He was an unpopular student because he was often mean to others.”
“The new manager became increasingly unpopular after she decided to cancel the annual holiday party without consulting the staff.”
02not supported or approved
B2 · Upper Intermediate
adj. not supported by most people because it is difficult or unpleasant.
adj. lacking public support or approval, often in a political or social context.
“The government made an unpopular decision to raise taxes this year.”
“The senator stood by his unpopular vote, arguing that long-term economic stability was more important than short-term public approval.”
Synonyms
Etymology
From un- + popular.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Word family
NOUN
ADJECTIVE
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B1 PreliminaryIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.4.0–5.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 3.0–3.544–71TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.550–784
- Frequency
- Frequent
- Level
- B1 · Intermediate
- Updated
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QR code
englishreference.com/q/unpopular