unwelcome
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unwelcome
Something that is unpleasant, unwanted, or annoying. It is often used for experiences, surprises, or tasks.
Die unliebsame Aufgabe, das Bad zu putzen, fiel heute mir zu.
The unwelcome task of cleaning the bathroom fell to me today.
The word is built transparently: the prefix 'un-' negates the adjective 'liebsam'. 'Liebsam' itself means 'pleasant' or 'delightful', but is rare today. So 'unliebsam' (unwelcome) directly means 'not pleasant'.
Er erhielt die unliebsame Nachricht, dass sein Flug gestrichen wurde.
He received the unwelcome news that his flight had been canceled.
'Unliebsam' (unwelcome) often describes abstract nouns. Common combinations are 'eine unliebsame Überraschung' (an unwelcome surprise), 'eine unliebsame Aufgabe' (an unwelcome task), 'unliebsame Folgen' (unwelcome consequences), or 'eine unliebsame Erfahrung' (an unpleasant experience).
Die Verspätung hatte einige unliebsame Folgen für unsere weitere Reiseplanung.
The delay had some unwelcome consequences for our further travel plans.
The word 'unliebsam' (unwelcome) belongs more to written language or a more formal style. It sounds somewhat elevated and is used less often in everyday colloquial speech.
Bei der Konferenz kam es zu einer unliebsamen Diskussion über das Budget.
At the conference, there was an unwelcome discussion about the budget.
unpleasant
Both words can describe a negative experience. „Unangenehm“ emphasizes the discomfort it causes. „Unliebsam“ sounds more formal and highlights that something is unwanted or disruptive, such as an unexpected inspection or task.
Die überraschende Kontrolle war für sie eine unliebsame Störung.
The unexpected inspection was an unwelcome disruption for her.
Die überraschende Kontrolle war ihr vor den Kollegen unangenehm.
The unexpected inspection made her feel uncomfortable in front of her colleagues.
