distasteful
adjective
dis·taste·ful
(ˌ)dis-ˈtāst-fəl 
1
a
: objectionable because offensive to one's personal taste : unpleasant, disagreeable
found the job distasteful
a shady, distasteful character
b
: objectionable because in poor taste, inappropriate, or unethical
a harmless stroking … but it seems oddly distasteful in retrospect—
Richard Sandza et al.
Richard Sandza et al.2
: unpleasant to the taste
distasteful unripe fruit
distastefulness
noun
Synonyms
Examples of distasteful in a Sentence
The work was distasteful, but it was the best I could find at the time.
It was a distasteful subject to him.
Recent Examples on the Web
Fans were quick to call out Kardashian, 44, and point out the distasteful timing of these promotions, especially as people's homes were being destroyed by the flames.
—Daniel R. Depetris, Newsweek, 10 Jan. 2025
Euphemisms: These are words designed to deflect attention from something considered distasteful or unpleasant.
—Rodger Dean Duncan, Forbes, 3 Dec. 2024
This practice is second nature among veteran hunters, but can be jarring or even distasteful to some new hunters.
—Natalie Krebs, Outdoor Life, 13 Nov. 2024
Those choices seem even more baffling and distasteful after watching this documentary, which shows the real Lyle breaking down with shame on the witness stand over his abuse of Erik.
—Jen Chaney, Vulture, 7 Oct. 2024
See all Example Sentences for distasteful 
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.
Daniel R. Depetris, Newsweek, 10 Jan. 2025
Euphemisms: These are words designed to deflect attention from something considered distasteful or unpleasant.
—Rodger Dean Duncan, Forbes, 3 Dec. 2024
This practice is second nature among veteran hunters, but can be jarring or even distasteful to some new hunters.
—Natalie Krebs, Outdoor Life, 13 Nov. 2024
Those choices seem even more baffling and distasteful after watching this documentary, which shows the real Lyle breaking down with shame on the witness stand over his abuse of Erik.
—Jen Chaney, Vulture, 7 Oct. 2024
See all Example Sentences for distasteful
Dictionary Entries Near distasteful
Cite this Entry
“Distasteful.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/distasteful. Accessed 24 Jan. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
distasteful
adjective
dis·taste·ful
dis-ˈtāst-fəl
: causing displeasure : unpleasant, disagreeable
distastefulness
noun
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share