Definition

A situation or experience that is not enjoyable or is uncomfortable.

Example

The unpleasantness of the weather made it hard to enjoy the picnic.

Conversation

I had such an awkward encounter at work today.

Oh no, what happened?

It was full of unpleasantness and I just wanted to leave.

That sounds rough! I hate when things get uncomfortable like that.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Unpleasantness → It is formed from "un-" (meaning not) and "pleasant" (from Latin *placere*, meaning to please) and "-ness" (meaning the state of). The word "unpleasantness" refers to the state of not being pleasing or agreeable.

Memory Tip

Think of 'not' ('un-') being combined with 'pleasing' ('pleasant') to remember that 'unpleasantness' means the state of being not pleasing.

Visually Confused Words