What does unpopularly mean?
Unpopularly is an adverb meaning “in a way that is unpopular.” It is used when an action, proposal, policy, performance, or reception meets with disapproval, resistance, or a lack of broad support. For example, a measure that is “unpopularly received” was not merely disliked in private; its reception was itself unfavorable or unpopular among the relevant public or professional group. The adverb can also characterize a person's manner or a way of treating an issue, especially where the speaker wants to emphasize social resistance rather than explain the details of the opinion. Because it follows the regular -ly pattern, it is more readily understood as an adverb than as a separate lexical item. Its rarity makes it more noticeable in formal or literary prose than in ordinary conversation, where “widely disliked,” “badly received,” or “to public disfavour” may sound more natural. The word is nevertheless useful when precision matters: it lets writers distinguish the unpopular character of a manner from the independent fact that a subject is not widely liked.
adverbIn a manner that is unpopular; with a lack of broad approval or support.
- In a manner that is unpopular or meets with widespread disapproval.
"The minister's proposal was unpopularly received by doctors, who argued that it placed too much burden on hospitals."
"The proposal was unpopularly received in several towns, where residents objected to its cost."
"Her remarks were unpopularly regarded by older members of the profession."
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does unpopularly come from?
Unpopularly was formed in English by adding the adverbial suffix -ly to the adjective unpopular. Unpopular combines the prefix un- with popular, which derives from Latin popularis, meaning “of the people,” from populus, “people.” The same Latin root underlies cognates including popularity, populate, and population.
How unpopularly is actually used
Relatively uncommon and more typical of formal or literary prose than everyday speech. It describes the manner or reception of something rather than the popularity of the thing itself.
Easily confused with unpopularly
Unpopularly means in a manner that is unpopular, whereas uncommonly means unusually or not commonly.