Words / A2

un-PLEZNT/ʌnˈpleznt/

Unpleasant means not enjoyable: an unpleasant smell, an unpleasant surprise, highly unpleasant. Nasty is often stronger or more personal. Pleasant is the opposite. Unfriendly is about people; unpleasant can be smells, weather, or people. Do not write unpleasant when you mean unpleased (not standard) or please.

Meaning

Not enjoyable; likely to make you feel uncomfortable.

Examples

• “There was an unpleasant smell in the fridge.”
• “There was an unpleasant draught under the door.”
• “The meeting became unpleasant when people started shouting.”

Good to know

an unpleasant smell / surprise. Stronger cousin: nasty. Opposite: pleasant. Mix-up: unfriendly (people only).

Near in meaning

nasty

New