distasteful
Offensive to sensibilities
Distasteful describes something that provokes dislike or mild revulsion—not quite disgusting, but unpleasant enough to reject.
The word suggests refined displeasure rather than visceral disgust: I find his jokes distasteful.
A task can be distasteful if you'd rather not do it: the distasteful business of firing employees.
The word carries a note of judgment, implying the thing offends one's sensibilities or standards.
Causing strong disgust
- repugnantExtremely distasteful or offensive
- loathsomeArousing intense disgust
- abhorrentCausing intense revulsion
- sickeningCausing disgust or nausea
repulsive · nauseating · vile · foul · gross · detestable · odious · horrid
Causing mild displeasure
- undesirableNot wanted or sought
- unwelcomeNot wanted here
- displeasingCausing dissatisfaction or irritation
- irksomeCausing mild frustration
off-putting · unappetizing · unappealing · uninviting · unattractive · unpalatable · unsavory · nasty
Not suitable or fitting
- improperLacking in propriety
- unseemlyInappropriate for the occasion
- unacceptableNot meeting required standards
- deplorableDeserving strong disapproval
reprehensible · shameful · scandalous · indecent · unsuitable · unbecoming · discreditable · disreputable
Showing contempt through words
- derogatoryExpressing criticism or disrespect
- vulgarCrude or indecent
- obsceneGrossly offensive to decency
- profaneIrreverent toward the sacred
abusive · hateful · racist · sexist · homophobic · discriminatory · bigoted · xenophobic
Mild negative regard
- antipathyIngrained, intense aversion
- revulsionIntense physical disgust
- repugnanceIntense distaste or disgust
- loathingIntense, settled disgust
abhorrence · detestation · contempt · disgust · displeasure · disdain · disapproval · recoil
revolting
Causing strong disgust
- repugnantExtremely distasteful or offensive
- loathsomeArousing intense disgust
- abhorrentCausing intense revulsion
sickening · repulsive · nauseating · vile · foul · gross · detestable · odious · horrid · appalling
disagreeable
Causing mild displeasure
- undesirableNot wanted or sought
- unwelcomeNot wanted here
- displeasingCausing dissatisfaction or irritation
irksome · off-putting · unappetizing · unappealing · uninviting · unattractive · unpalatable · unsavory · nasty · obnoxious
inappropriate
Not suitable or fitting
- improperLacking in propriety
- unseemlyInappropriate for the occasion
- unacceptableNot meeting required standards
deplorable · reprehensible · shameful · scandalous · indecent · unsuitable · unbecoming · discreditable · disreputable · dishonorable
insulting
Showing contempt through words
- derogatoryExpressing criticism or disrespect
- vulgarCrude or indecent
- obsceneGrossly offensive to decency
profane · abusive · hateful · racist · sexist · homophobic · discriminatory · bigoted · xenophobic · misogynistic
dislike
Mild negative regard
- antipathyIngrained, intense aversion
- revulsionIntense physical disgust
- repugnanceIntense distaste or disgust
loathing · abhorrence · detestation · contempt · disgust · displeasure · disdain · disapproval · recoil · shudder
- disgustdisgust, disgusting, disgusted, revulsion, repulsion
- exhaustingdraining, taxing, tiring, exhausting, fatiguing
- irritatingannoying, aggravating, bothersome, exasperating, frustrating
- risquerisque, racy, bawdy, ribald, suggestive
distastefuldelicious
Highly pleasing to taste
tasty · delectable · appetizing · palatable · savory
distastefultasteful
Aesthetically appropriate and pleasing
inoffensive · wholesome · unobjectionable · agreeable · pleasant
distastefulpleasant
Giving enjoyment or comfort
agreeable · pleasing · delightful · welcome · gratifying