unpleasant cold

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "unpleasant cold" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a cold temperature that is uncomfortable or not enjoyable, often in the context of weather or an environment. Example: "The winter storm brought an unpleasant cold that made it difficult to go outside without bundling up."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

In stressed rats exposed to unpleasant cold stimulation, HPA activity was reduced.

The Guardian

Many species experienced huge bottleneck events during glacial periods because their growth under the prevailing unpleasant cold and dry conditions was restricted to refugia [ 1, 2].

BMC Evolutionary Biology

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

He is subdued at work, and testy, unpleasant and cold at home.

The Guardian - Film

Mimi once referred to Cynthia, Lennon's first wife, as "a gangster's moll", and was particularly unpleasant or cold towards her.

Wikipedia

When used in the more general sense, "nasty" means "very bad or unpleasant, unpleasantly cold or wet, repugnant to the mind, behaving in an unpleasant or spiteful way, annoying or unwelcome, damaging or harmful".

Huffington Post

"Now this is a cruel, cold, unpleasant, angry country.

The Guardian

She also gave advice on dealing with the unpleasant influence of cold air in the winter.

BMC Pulmonary Medicine

In five cases (26%), the meperidine drip had to be adjusted several times because of unpleasant sensation of cold, which resulted in an immediate relief of symptoms.

Heart

Differential sensation of pleasant environmental temperatures (warm and cool) versus unpleasant and noxious (cold and hot) temperatures requires the definition of thresholds and temperature ranges for activating thermonociceptors.

EMBO Journal

So, Mrs. H. wrote to the Zoological Society of London & received a reply and a Gifts of Animals form, which was very cold & unpleasant to Mrs. H.

The New Yorker

Everyone in the group either has been in prison or has a relative in jail or living somewhere cold and unpleasant in internal exile.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing weather conditions, use "unpleasant cold" to convey not just the temperature, but also the discomfort or negative experience associated with it. For example, "The "unpleasant cold" made it difficult to enjoy our walk in the park."

Common error

While grammatically correct, repeatedly using "unpleasant cold" in formal writing can sound repetitive. Vary your descriptions by using synonyms like "bitter cold" or "harsh chill" to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "unpleasant cold" functions primarily as a descriptor, combining an adjective ("unpleasant") with a noun ("cold") to depict a specific type of coldness that is not just about temperature but also about the associated discomfort or negative experience. The provided Ludwig examples illustrate its use in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

52%

Science

32%

Wiki

16%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "unpleasant cold" is a grammatically sound way to describe a coldness that is also undesirable. While deemed correct and usable by Ludwig AI, its frequency is relatively uncommon. It's mainly found in news, science, and wiki contexts. When writing, consider using synonyms like "bitter cold" or "harsh chill" for variety. Remember that "unpleasant cold" focuses on the negative experience associated with the coldness, not just the temperature itself. Despite its accuracy, overusing it, especially in formal contexts, could make your writing sound repetitive. To use it properly, remember that this phrase is typically used to describe physical temperature and weather conditions but not a person's personality. As the examples from Ludwig highlight, the term effectively communicates both the coldness and the associated discomfort or hardship.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

bitter cold

Emphasizes the intensity and severity of the cold.

severe cold

Highlights the harshness and intensity of the cold.

harsh cold

Indicates a cold that is rough and uncomfortable.

chilling discomfort

Focuses on the uncomfortable sensation caused by the cold.

piercing cold

Suggests a cold that penetrates deeply and is painful.

raw cold

Describes a cold that is biting and exposed, without any mitigation.

biting chill

Focuses on the sharp, cutting quality of the cold.

frigid discomfort

Highlights the extreme coldness and the associated unease.

icy discomfort

Links the discomfort to the presence of ice and extreme cold.

freezing annoyance

Emphasizes the exasperating quality of the extremely cold conditions.

FAQs

How can I use "unpleasant cold" in a sentence?

You can use "unpleasant cold" to describe weather or environments that are not only cold but also uncomfortable. For example, "The "unpleasant cold" made it difficult to work outside."

What's a good alternative to "unpleasant cold"?

Alternatives include "bitter cold", "harsh cold", or "piercing cold depending on the specific nuance you want to convey".

Is it more appropriate to say "unpleasant cold" or "bitter cold"?

Both phrases are appropriate, but "bitter cold" generally implies a more intense and severe cold than "unpleasant cold". The choice depends on the degree of coldness you want to emphasize.

Can "unpleasant cold" be used to describe a person's personality?

While "cold" can describe a person's personality, "unpleasant cold" is typically reserved for describing physical temperature or weather conditions. Using it to describe a person would be unusual and potentially confusing.