unpopular

adjective

un·​pop·​u·​lar ˌən-ˈpä-pyə-lər How to pronounce unpopular (audio)
Synonyms of unpopularnext
: not popular : viewed or received unfavorably by the public
unpopularity
ˌən-ˌpä-pyə-ˈler-ə-tē How to pronounce unpopular (audio)
-ˈla-rə-
noun
unpopularly adverb

Examples of unpopular in a Sentence

I was unpopular in high school. Her third album has been unpopular with fans. Recent conflicts have made him unpopular among the staff.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Many economists have long argued that the independence of the Fed to take actions that are often unpopular — such as raising interest rates — to stabilize the economy is necessary to protect the nation. — Todd Spangler, Freep.com, 27 Aug. 2025 Her agency also has faced sharp criticism and legal setbacks over its enforcement tactics, which have become a key piece of the Trump administration’s broader and unpopular immigration crackdown. — Chelsea Bailey, CNN Money, 23 Aug. 2025 Ewing will be Omaha’s first Black mayor, after Democrats successfully tied Stothert to the unpopular part of President Donald Trump’s first few months back in office. — Lauren Green, The Washington Examiner, 23 Aug. 2025 In 2020, when digital social activism reached its peak, Lingala noticed that, in a social sense, conservatism then became the unpopular counterculture. — Essence, 21 Aug. 2025 See All Example Sentences for unpopular

Word History

First Known Use

1614, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of unpopular was in 1614

Rhymes for unpopular

See All Rhymes for unpopular

Browse Nearby Words

unpope
unpopular
unpopulated
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Unpopular.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/unpopular. Accessed 4 Sep. 2025.

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Kids Definition

unpopular

adjective
un·​pop·​u·​lar ˌən-ˈpäp-yə-lər How to pronounce unpopular (audio)
ˈən-
: not popular : disliked by many people
unpopularity
ˌən-ˌpäp-yə-ˈlar-ət-ē How to pronounce unpopular (audio)
noun

More from Merriam-Webster on unpopular

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for unpopular

Nglish: Translation of unpopular for Spanish Speakers

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