a disagreeable

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a disagreeable" is correct and usable in written English. You can use it when describing something or someone that is unpleasant or not agreeable. Example: "He had a disagreeable attitude that made conversations difficult." Alternative expressions include "an unpleasant" and "a distasteful."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

They emit a disagreeable odour if handled.

Encyclopedia Britannica

All the principal monologues, in fact, have a disagreeable texture.

The Guardian - Books

A disagreeable thought, but not an inapposite one in 2017.

The New Yorker

Job loss is indeed a disagreeable -- sometimes ravaging -- experience.

The New York Times

He also has a disagreeable patient or two.

The Guardian - Books

Ms. Leo has no qualms about making her eccentric character a disagreeable loudmouth.

The New York Times

He was still on the job when I left, after a disagreeable six weeks.

The New Yorker

Female plants are preferred because the male flowers release a disagreeable odour.

Encyclopedia Britannica

This was not a disagreeable look — it was not aggressive or sly, it was not appraising.

The New Yorker

Fresh ambergris is black and soft and has a disagreeable odour.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The insect damages more material than it consumes and emits a disagreeable odour.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a disagreeable" when you want to convey a sense of formal or clinical observation regarding an unpleasant trait, whether it is a person's character, a sensory experience like an odour or a specific task.

Common error

Do not use "a disagreeable" to describe someone who is simply having a bad day. The phrase typically implies an inherent or characteristic quality of the noun it modifies rather than a fleeting emotional state.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a disagreeable" consists of the indefinite article "a" and the adjective "disagreeable". In the sentences provided by Ludwig, it functions primarily as an attributive modifier, preceding a noun to characterize its nature. It is most frequently used to modify nouns like "person", "odour", "task" or "experience".

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

55%

Encyclopedias

25%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Science

5%

Formal & Business

3%

Social Media

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a disagreeable" is a versatile and grammatically sound phrase used to describe things that are unpleasant or offensive. According to Ludwig AI data, it is equally effective at describing biological traits—such as the "disagreeable odour" of a beetle—and human personality traits. It is a hallmark of sophisticated writing, appearing in high-tier publications like The New York Times and The New Yorker. When using it, remember that it often suggests a persistent characteristic rather than a temporary state. Whether you are discussing "a disagreeable task" or "a disagreeable companion", this phrase adds a precise, evaluative layer to your prose without being overly emotional.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

an unpleasant

A more neutral and common synonym that describes anything not pleasing.

a distasteful

Often suggests a moral or aesthetic offense rather than just a personality trait.

an objectionable

Implies that the thing or person invites opposition or disapproval.

an offensive

Stronger connotation of causing active resentment or anger.

an unpalatable

Frequently used for difficult truths, ideas or physical tastes.

a surly

Specifically refers to a bad-tempered and unfriendly person.

an obnoxious

Describes behavior that is extremely unpleasant in a way that is hard to ignore.

a nasty

A less formal but very direct way to describe something highly unpleasant.

an unsavory

Often used to describe people or environments with a suspicious or immoral character.

a prickly

A metaphorical term for someone who is easily offended or difficult to deal with.

FAQs

How do I use "a disagreeable" in a sentence?

You can use it to describe a person's temperament, such as "He was "a disagreeable" man who rarely smiled", or a sensory trait like "The plant emits "a disagreeable" odour when touched".

What is a more common way to say "a disagreeable"?

A simpler and more frequent alternative is "an unpleasant" task or person.

Can "a disagreeable" be used for objects?

Yes, as shown in Ludwig examples, it frequently describes physical properties such as "a disagreeable texture" or "a disagreeable smell".

Is "a disagreeable" considered formal English?

It is neutral to slightly formal. In very informal settings, you might prefer "a nasty" or "an annoying" instead.