unpopular

Everyday

1. Unpopular means not liked by many people or by most people. tree →
2. An unpopular decision, rule or idea is one many people disagree with. tree →

In the lessons

In school, an unpopular rule might be a ban on football at break. In stories, an unpopular character has few friends or is disliked. In history and news, rulers and laws can be unpopular. Phrases: "unpopular with", "deeply unpopular", "an unpopular decision".

Examples

• The new uniform was very unpopular with the pupils. tree →
• Broccoli is unpopular in our house. tree →
• The king became unpopular when he raised taxes. tree →
• It was an unpopular decision, but it was the right one. tree →
• Being unpopular for a while is better than being unkind. tree →
• The film was unpopular at first but is now loved. tree →
• Her hard rule made her very unpopular, and it was commonly believed that she had made away with Prince Alphege. tree →

Note

It is un- (not) + popular. Noun: unpopularity. Pattern: "unpopular with someone". In ethics lessons, pupils learn that doing the right thing can sometimes be unpopular.