unpleasantness
unpleasantness — noun
1. a quality or situation that makes you feel uncomfortable, unhappy, or dissatisfi
a quality or situation that makes you feel uncomfortable, unhappy, or dissatisfied, especially because it involves a bad smell, an unpleasant taste, a boring task, or an uncomfortable physical experience
The unpleasantness of the smell from the factory made it hard to eat lunch outside.
the unpleasantness of [thing] — describing sensory experience
Nora tried to ignore the unpleasantness of waiting in the cold rain for the bus.
Guests complained about the unpleasantness of the hotel rooms, which were damp and dark.
Having to share a small room with strangers added to the unpleasantness of the journey.
The unpleasantness of scrubbing the greasy oven made Anna's back ache by noon.
- disagreeableness
more formal and less common; focuses on something causing active dislike
- discomfort
broader; can refer to physical pain or emotional unease, not just unpleasantness
- tedium
narrower; specifically for boring or monotonous unpleasantness
- pleasantness
direct opposite; the quality of being enjoyable or agreeable
- enjoyment
more active; focuses on pleasure rather than absence of unpleasantness
文法句型
unpleasantness of [noun/gerund]
用法筆記
Less common in everyday speech than the adjective unpleasant. Speakers more often say 'an unpleasant smell' than 'the unpleasantness of the smell', though the noun form appears in formal or reflective writing.
常見錯誤
2. rude, angry, or unfriendly behaviour between people that creates bad feelings, a
rude, angry, or unfriendly behaviour between people that creates bad feelings, arguments, or a tense atmosphere
The unpleasantness between the two colleagues made everyone in the office uncomfortable.
unpleasantness between [people] — interpersonal conflict
Camila tried to avoid any unpleasantness at the family dinner by changing the subject.
The meeting ended with a lot of unpleasantness, with people shouting and blaming each other.
Sayaka walked out of the room to escape the unpleasantness of the argument.
Aaron was surprised by the unpleasantness in his friend's voice when they discussed the plan.
- harmony
suggests peaceful and cooperative relationships
- friendliness
more active and positive; suggests warmth between people
文法句型
unpleasantness between [people]
avoid any unpleasantness
用法筆記
Often used in the phrase 'to avoid any unpleasantness', which politely refers to a potential disagreement without describing it directly. This sense is always uncountable.