unpleasantness
/ʌn'plezntnis/
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
- Noun:
- The quality or state of being unpleasant; the fact of causing discomfort, annoyance, or displeasure. This refers to an inherent characteristic of something that is not enjoyable or agreeable.
- An unpleasant situation, event, or feeling; a disagreeable or hostile interaction. This refers to a specific instance or experience characterized by discord, conflict, or discomfort.
Examples
- Noun (Quality):
- The unpleasantness of the medicine's taste made it hard for the child to swallow.
- We tried to ignore the general unpleasantness of the damp, cold room.
- Noun (Situation/Feeling):
- I hope we can avoid any unpleasantness during the business meeting.
- There was a brief unpleasantness between the neighbors over the property line.
Advanced Usage
- "The late unpleasantness": A historical euphemism, particularly in American English, used to refer to the U.S. Civil War (1861-1865). It can also be used humorously or ironically to refer to any past conflict or disagreement one wishes to mention without detail.
- Grandpa would never talk about the late unpleasantness, referring only to his time "away."
Variants and Related Words
- Unpleasant (adj): Not pleasant or agreeable; causing discomfort or revulsion.
- It was an unpleasant surprise.
- Unpleasantly (adv): In an unpleasant manner.
- The day ended unpleasantly.
Synonyms
- Disagreeableness: The quality of being disagreeable.
- Discomfort: A state of physical or mental unease.
- Discord: Disagreement between people.
- Acerbity: Sharpness or severity, especially of manner or speech.
Antonyms
- Pleasantness: The quality of being pleasing or enjoyable.
- Agreeableness: The quality of being pleasant and friendly.
- Amiability: The quality of having a friendly and pleasant manner.
Noun
- the quality of giving displeasure
- the recent unpleasantness of the weather
- the feeling caused by disagreeable stimuli; one pole of a continuum of states of feeling