What does unpopularity mean?
Unpopularity means the state of not being popular or widely liked. It can describe the reception of a person, organization, product, policy, proposal, or broader trend, and often suggests that the subject is disliked, disapproved of, or poorly supported by the public. The word is commonly used in political, social, and cultural discussion, as in “political unpopularity,” but it is neither inherently formal nor informal. Because it names a condition rather than a single act of rejection, it is often linked to broader opinion: a policy may be unpopular because it affects many people adversely, draws public criticism, or conflicts with popular expectations. Unpopularity is distinct from the adjective “unpopular,” which describes something directly. While the noun is usually uncountable, “unpopularities” can occasionally be used in formal or technical contexts when referring to several separate cases. In everyday writing, alternatives such as “disfavor,” “disapproval,” or “lack of popularity” may sound more conversational.
nounThe state or condition of being unpopular, especially when a person, group, idea, policy, or product is disliked or disapproved of by many people.
- The state or condition of not being popular, popular, or widely approved.
"The policy's unpopularity led several members of the committee to withdraw their support."
"The new tax was unpopularity itself, provoking protests and criticism across the country."
"Her willingness to speak about the policy's unpopularity cost her support within the party."
The plural is grammatically standard but uncommon; the singular noun is normally used in an abstract or collective sense.
"The study examines the separate unpopularities of several major public policies."
Unpopularity joins the English “un-” prefix to a word rooted in the Latin populus, “people,” capturing the age-old question of how a public regards its leaders and institutions.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does unpopularity come from?
“Unpopularity” is formed from “unpopular” plus the noun-forming suffix “-ity.” “Unpopular” combines the English prefix “un-” with “popular,” and “popular” comes through Old French from Latin popularis, meaning “of the people,” derived from populus, “people.” The formation reflects a long-standing vocabulary contrast between the popular and the unpopular, while related words such as “populace,” “population,” and “populate” continue the same Latin root.
Related word forms
How unpopularity is actually used
The word has a neutral to formal register. It is normally used as an uncountable noun; the plural “unpopularities” is possible but uncommon.
Easily confused with unpopularity
Unpopular is an adjective describing something that is not liked, whereas unpopularity is a noun naming the state or condition of being disliked.