Distasteful

usgb/dɪsˈteɪstfl/
adjective

Something that's unpleasant to see, smell, taste, or even to think about.

The distasteful smell of the rotten food filled the entire room.
Visual representation of "distasteful" - Something that's unpleasant to see, smell, taste, or even to think about.

Often appears as...

  • distasteful joke
  • distasteful behavior
Definition 1 of 2
Visual representation of "distasteful"
LampPro Tip 1/3

Sensory Displeasure

Use 'distasteful' for things that upset your physical senses, especially taste and smell.

Illustration for Sensory Displeasure
The distasteful aroma from the decaying plant made me leave the room.
LampPro Tip 2/3

Metaphoric Usage

'Distasteful' can metaphorically describe something that 'leaves a bad taste' emotionally or intellectually, not literally.

Illustration for Metaphoric Usage
The conversation about the accident was so distasteful that I didn't want to continue.
LampPro Tip 3/3

Intensity Matters

'Distasteful' is milder than 'disgusting' or 'revolting' but more serious than 'unpleasant'.

Illustration for Intensity Matters
The movie had a couple of distasteful scenes, but it was not enough to make me stop watching.
Visual representation of the word "Distasteful"

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