WordGarden.iounpopularity
A2Pronunciation
UK
- /ʌnpˌɒpjʊlˈærɪti/
US
- /ənˌpɑpjəˈlɛrɪti/
Meanings
Noun
the state of being disliked, unsupported, or not popular
Beyond the definition
This word describes the state of not being liked, supported, or welcomed by many people. It does not always mean strong hatred. More often, it means that a person, idea, product, or decision does not win public approval. A new rule may face this kind of reaction if people think it is unfair. A public figure may go through it after making a choice that many people dislike. Sometimes it passes quickly, and sometimes it lasts for a long time.
You can imagine a singer whose new style disappoints fans, or a leader whose policy loses support. In both cases, the problem is not always deep anger. It is often a broad feeling that people are no longer in favor of what they see or hear.
Unpopularity is the state of being disliked, not favored, or not supported by many people. It suggests a lack of approval rather than automatic hatred. Someone or something can be unpopular because people disagree with it, do not trust it, do not enjoy it, or simply prefer something else.
This word is often used for people, ideas, products, decisions, and policies. A mayor may face it after raising taxes. A movie sequel may suffer from it if audiences feel let down. An opinion may bring it if it goes against what most people around you believe. In each case, the common idea is the same: many people respond without warmth, support, or enthusiasm.
The causes can be very different. Sometimes the reason is poor quality or bad judgment. Sometimes tastes change, and what once seemed exciting now feels tired. Sometimes a person becomes unpopular because they speak hard truths or defend a position that others do not want to hear. For that reason, the word is not always moral criticism. Being unpopular can mean someone is wrong, but it can also mean they are early, honest, or simply out of step with the mood of the time.
The feeling may be brief or long-lasting. A brand can recover after one failed release. A leader can remain unpopular for years. History also shows cases where writers, artists, or thinkers were poorly received at first and valued later. The word therefore covers more than simple dislike. It points to a wider loss of favor or support in a group, audience, or public.
Examples
- 1
Local politics
The mayor's unpopularity grew after the city raised parking fees.
- 2
School policy
The policy's unpopularity with parents surprised the school board.
- 3
Voters
He refused to change his decision, even when his unpopularity among voters became obvious.
- 4
Reform
Leaders sometimes accept short-term unpopularity in order to achieve long-term reform.
See also
Similar
- disfavor
- lack of popularity
- disapproval
Shades of meaning
Contrast
- popularity
- public favor
Used with (collocations)
- widespread unpopularity
- growing unpopularity
- political unpopularity
- unpopularity among voters
Word family
Explore
- public opinion
- reputation
Forms and spellings
1 form open this card.
Main spelling
- unpopularitynoun