Words / A2

un-POP-y-uh-l-uh/ʌnˈpɒpjələ/

Unpopular means not liked by many people: an unpopular decision, unpopular with, become unpopular. Popular is the opposite. Famous means well known, not always liked. Unknown is about fame, not likes. Do not write unpopular when you mean unpopular as “not populated” (wrong), or popular.

Meaning

Not liked by many people.

Examples

• “The new timetable is unpopular with students.”
• “The new parking charge is unpopular with shoppers.”
• “He was unpopular at school until he joined the choir.”

Good to know

unpopular with / an unpopular decision. Opposite: popular. Contrast: famous (known, not liked).

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