unpopular
unpopular — adjective
1. If someone or something is unpopular, most people do not like them or have a bad
If someone or something is unpopular, most people do not like them or have a bad opinion of them.
The new after-school program was unpopular with the parents in Hoa's district.
be unpopular with [group of people]
Kabir became unpopular among his teammates after he missed three important games.
become unpopular among [group]
The mayor's plan to cut the library budget was deeply unpopular with local residents.
deeply + unpopular (adverb collocation)
Tamar's strict grading policy made her the most unpopular teacher in the school.
An unpopular decision by the company's board caused many employees to quit their jobs.
- deeply unpopular
- highly unpopular
- increasingly unpopular
- wildly unpopular
- unpopular with voters
- unpopular among staff
- unpopular decision
- unpopular policy
- unpopular opinion
- make someone unpopular
- disliked
More direct and personal; can refer to a single person's feeling, whereas "unpopular" implies a general sentiment across many people.
- out of favor
Suggests a temporary drop in popularity rather than a fixed state; often implies the person or thing was once liked.
- unwanted
Focuses on rejection or lack of desire for something, not necessarily active dislike.
- popular
The direct opposite — liked by many people.
- well-liked
Emphasizes positive personal regard rather than broad popularity.
Grammar Patterns
be unpopular with [group]
be unpopular among [group]
unpopular + noun
Usage Note
When specifying the group that dislikes someone or something, use "with" for a more general group and "among" to emphasize individual members within a group. "Deeply", "highly", and "extremely" are common intensifying adverbs.