unpleasant
Hard to tolerate
Unpleasant describes something that causes discomfort, annoyance, or mild distress—not enjoyable to experience.
An unpleasant smell, an unpleasant surprise, an unpleasant conversation.
When describing people, it suggests they're disagreeable or difficult to be around: He became unpleasant after a few drinks.
The word is measured—stronger than merely neutral but stopping short of truly awful.
Causing strong disgust
- repulsiveCausing strong disgust
- nauseatingCausing urge to vomit
- sickeningCausing disgust or nausea
- disgustingProvoking strong revulsion
vile · foul · loathsome · abhorrent · repugnant · offensive · odious · detestable
Causing mild displeasure
- objectionableDeserving disapproval or protest
- unwelcomeNot wanted here
- undesirableNot wanted or sought
- unfavorableNot in your benefit
off-putting · distasteful · displeasing · unappealing · unattractive · unsavory · unpalatable · unwanted
Rough enough to erode
- causticChemically burning; bitterly mocking
- bitingHarshly critical or cold
- acridUnpleasantly sharp-smelling
- sharpFine-edged, or astute
severe · stern · gruff · brusque · curt · blunt · scathing · cutting
Mild physical or mental distress
- uneaseMild persistent worry
- awkwardLacking grace or ease
- uneasyTroubled, not calm
- tenseStrained or nervous
strained · embarrassing · cringe · squirm · wince · grimace · distressing · unsettling
Disturbingly incongruous
- gratingCrossed bars or harsh
- screechingMaking harsh high sounds
- cacophonousHarsh and jarring
- discordantLacking musical agreement
strident · raucous · shrill · piercing · earsplitting · rasping · grinding · squeaky
Causing mild irritation
- bothersomeCausing mild annoyance
- irksomeCausing mild frustration
- vexingCausing mild torment
- aggravatingCausing irritation or worsening
exasperating · frustrating · maddening · infuriating · galling · nettlesome · pesky · nagging
Capable of causing harm
- foul-smellingEmitting unpleasant odors
- acridUnpleasantly sharp-smelling
- pungentSharply strong-smelling
- stenchPowerfully offensive odor
reek · malodorous · noisome · rank · musty · stale · suffocating · nauseous
revolting
Causing strong disgust
- repulsiveCausing strong disgust
- nauseatingCausing urge to vomit
- sickeningCausing disgust or nausea
disgusting · vile · foul · loathsome · abhorrent · repugnant · offensive · odious · detestable · gross
disagreeable
Causing mild displeasure
- objectionableDeserving disapproval or protest
- unwelcomeNot wanted here
- undesirableNot wanted or sought
unfavorable · off-putting · distasteful · displeasing · unappealing · unattractive · unsavory · unpalatable · unwanted · unacceptable
abrasive
Rough enough to erode
- causticChemically burning; bitterly mocking
- bitingHarshly critical or cold
- acridUnpleasantly sharp-smelling
sharp · severe · stern · gruff · brusque · curt · blunt · scathing · cutting · brutal
discomfort
Mild physical or mental distress
tense · strained · embarrassing · cringe · squirm · wince · grimace · distressing · unsettling · disconcerting
jarring
Disturbingly incongruous
- gratingCrossed bars or harsh
- screechingMaking harsh high sounds
- cacophonousHarsh and jarring
discordant · strident · raucous · shrill · piercing · earsplitting · rasping · grinding · squeaky · clashing
annoying
Causing mild irritation
- bothersomeCausing mild annoyance
- irksomeCausing mild frustration
- vexingCausing mild torment
aggravating · exasperating · frustrating · maddening · infuriating · galling · nettlesome · pesky · nagging · tiresome
toxic
Capable of causing harm
- foul-smellingEmitting unpleasant odors
- acridUnpleasantly sharp-smelling
- pungentSharply strong-smelling
stench · reek · malodorous · noisome · rank · musty · stale · suffocating · nauseous · smog
aching
Experiencing dull pain
stinging · burning · smarting · raw · inflamed · sensitive · hurt · suffering · agony · torment
- uglyugly, hideous, unsightly, grotesque, repulsive
- adjectivesbig, urgent, amazing, temporary, bold
- feelingsemotion, feeling, joy, anger, sadness
- disgustdisgust, disgusting, disgusted, revulsion, repulsion
- irritatingannoying, aggravating, bothersome, exasperating, frustrating
- scent wordsfragrant, aromatic, pungent, musty, musky
unpleasantpleasant
Giving enjoyment or comfort
enjoyable · delightful · pleasurable · delicious · agreeable
- unpleasant odorsBad-smelling emanations
unpleasantness, unpleasantly, unpleasantry, unpleasantries, unpleasable