unlikeable
Not easily loved
Unlikeable describes someone difficult to like—off-putting in personality, manner, or behavior.
The word often appears in discussions of fictional characters: The protagonist is deeply unlikeable, yet somehow compelling.
Unlike hateable, unlikeable suggests mere aversion rather than active hostility.
Also spelled unlikable.
Causing mild irritation
- gratingCrossed bars or harsh
- irksomeCausing mild frustration
- aggravatingCausing irritation or worsening
- exasperatingIntensely irritating
infuriating · maddening · bothersome · tiresome · tedious · wearisome · obnoxious · pestilent
Emotionally withdrawn, uninviting
- distantFar away or aloof
- standoffishUnfriendly in manner
- unfriendlyNot welcoming or warm
- unapproachableImpossible to access or befriend
remote · detached · frosty · chilly · icy · haughty · snobbish · dismissive
Causes strong aversion
- revoltingCausing strong disgust
- disgustingProvoking strong revulsion
- loathsomeArousing intense disgust
- detestableWorthy of intense dislike
abhorrent · odious · despicable · vile · repugnant · nauseating · sickening · gross
Aggressively unfriendly
- abrasiveRough enough to erode
- combativeInclined toward conflict
- contentiousInclined toward disagreement
- belligerentHostile and eager to clash
confrontational · adversarial · quarrelsome · aggressive · pugnacious · truculent · disagreeable · contrary
annoying
Causing mild irritation
- gratingCrossed bars or harsh
- irksomeCausing mild frustration
- aggravatingCausing irritation or worsening
exasperating · infuriating · maddening · bothersome · tiresome · tedious · wearisome · obnoxious · pestilent · vexing
aloof
Emotionally withdrawn, uninviting
- distantFar away or aloof
- standoffishUnfriendly in manner
- unfriendlyNot welcoming or warm
unapproachable · remote · detached · frosty · chilly · icy · haughty · snobbish · dismissive · condescending
repellent
Causes strong aversion
- revoltingCausing strong disgust
- disgustingProvoking strong revulsion
- loathsomeArousing intense disgust
detestable · abhorrent · odious · despicable · vile · repugnant · nauseating · sickening · gross · off-putting
hostile
Aggressively unfriendly
- abrasiveRough enough to erode
- combativeInclined toward conflict
- contentiousInclined toward disagreement
belligerent · confrontational · adversarial · quarrelsome · aggressive · pugnacious · truculent · disagreeable · contrary · argumentative