unpleasant
unpleasant — adjective
1. describes an experience, situation, or thing that makes you feel uncomfortable,
describes an experience, situation, or thing that makes you feel uncomfortable, slightly annoyed, or unhappy — for example, an unpleasant smell from a blocked drain, an unpleasant surprise in the mail, or an uncomfortable train journey on a hot day.
The smell from the old drain was so unpleasant that Felix had to open every window.
collocation: unpleasant smell / unpleasant experience
An unpleasant surprise waited for Apinya when she opened her electricity bill.
collocation: unpleasant surprise
Sana found it unpleasant to sit next to someone who coughed through the whole film.
The long bus ride became very unpleasant after the air conditioning stopped working.
It was unpleasant to watch the two drivers shouting at each other on the street.
- disagreeable
more formal; often used for tastes, smells, or weather
- nasty
stronger and more informal; suggests something foul or disgusting
- uncomfortable
milder; focuses on physical or emotional unease, not active annoyance
文法句型
unpleasant + noun
it + be + unpleasant + to-infinitive
find + noun + unpleasant
用法筆記
Describes the thing or situation itself, not a person's internal feeling. Say 'The news was unpleasant' (correct) — not 'I felt unpleasant' (use 'upset' or 'uncomfortable' instead).
常見錯誤
2. describes a person who behaves in a rude, angry, or unfriendly way, or the way t
describes a person who behaves in a rude, angry, or unfriendly way, or the way they act — for example, a hotel clerk speaking harshly to guests, or someone using a sharp tone during a disagreement.
The hotel manager was so unpleasant that Selim asked to speak with someone else.
unpleasant person; be + unpleasant
Gabriel became unpleasant with the cashier when he received the wrong change.
become + unpleasant + with + person
Sade's unpleasant tone made everyone in the meeting feel awkward and upset.
Lara's uncle has an unpleasant attitude toward anyone who disagrees with him.
- rude
more direct and common; focuses on impolite speech or actions
- unfriendly
less angry; suggests coldness rather than active hostility
- obnoxious
stronger; describes someone so unpleasant that others find them hard to tolerate
- nasty
informal; implies meanness with intent to hurt
文法句型
unpleasant + noun
be + unpleasant + to + noun
用法筆記
Often followed by 'to' (unpleasant to someone) or 'about' (unpleasant about something). Can describe a person directly ('a very unpleasant man') or their manner, tone, attitude, or behaviour.