English Reference

Word

unpopularity

Phoneticsun·pop·u·lar·i·ty, stress on the fourth syllable

US/ənˌpɑpjəˈɫɛɹɪti/

UK/ʌnpˌɒpjʊlˈæɹɪti/

Uncountable noun

Definition

n. lack of liking or support from most people. You see it when a person, idea, or decision many people do not like.

n. lack of public favour, approval, or support. Often applied to politicians, policies, or public figures that meet with widespread disapproval.

Examples

“His rude comments lead to his unpopularity at school.”

“The new parking fees face growing unpopularity among residents who say the costs are unfair.”

“Despite the reform's initial unpopularity, historians argue that its long-term benefits eventually reshaped public opinion in its favour.”

Examples

simple

“His rude comments lead to his unpopularity at school.”

contextual

“The new parking fees face growing unpopularity among residents who say the costs are unfair.”

complex

“Despite the reform's initial unpopularity, historians argue that its long-term benefits eventually reshaped public opinion in its favour.”

Collocations

Common phrases and expressions where native English speakers use the word “unpopularity” in context.

Verb

01. court unpopularity

“The minister courted unpopularity with his harsh remarks.”

verb + noun

02. face unpopularity

“The mayor had to face unpopularity over the budget cuts.”

verb + noun

03. risk unpopularity

“The council risked unpopularity by closing local libraries.”

verb + noun

Adjective

04. deep unpopularity

“The reform revealed the deep unpopularity of the government.”

adj + noun

05. growing unpopularity

“The president faced growing unpopularity after the tax increases.”

adj + noun

Noun

06. level of unpopularity

“The poll showed a surprising level of unpopularity for the proposal.”

noun + prep + noun

07. reason for unpopularity

“The main reason for unpopularity was the rise in fees.”

noun + prep + noun

08. at the height of unpopularity

“He resigned at the height of unpopularity last winter.”

09. face growing unpopularity

“The government faces growing unpopularity over rising living costs.”

10. grow in unpopularity

“The policy grew in unpopularity after strong media criticism.”

11. pay the price for unpopularity

“The party paid the price for unpopularity at the election.”

12. risk considerable unpopularity

“The mayor risked considerable unpopularity by approving the new tax.”

Real-World Examples

“Struggling with unpopularity, economic stagnation and a rising cost of living, the conservative chancellor has ruled out issuing eurobonds to fund European defence.”
The Guardian 8 Oct 2026
“The president also blamed unfair media coverage for his growing unpopularity, arguing that his pre-election rally blitz was necessary to set the record straight.”
Al Jazeera 2 Oct 2026
“And it’s hard to predict how Republicans’ current unpopularity on the national stage will affect state and local races.”
The Conversation 30 Sept 2026
“Despite Trump’s deep unpopularity, Republicans hope to once again turn the president’s loyal following into a political force as the party confronts an unforgiving midterm landscape.”
The Guardian 17 Sept 2026

Antonyms

Word family

NOUN

unpopularity(B2)

ADJECTIVE

This entry

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.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL 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: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
Frequency
Occasional
Level
B2 · Upper Intermediate
Updated

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English Reference