1.
unpopular, not well-liked
Describes something or someone that lacks popularity or public favor. Used for products, policies, politicians, and other things that fail to attract support or interest.
その政策は不人気だった。
That policy was unpopular.
不人気な商品は値下げされることが多い。
Unpopular products are often marked down.
増税は国民に不人気で、支持率が大きく下がった。
The tax increase was unpopular with the public, and approval ratings dropped significantly.
USAGE: 不人気 is the negative form of 人気 (popular). Note the irregular reading: 不 + 人気 becomes ふにんき, not ふじんき.
COMMON COLLOCATIONS:
- 不人気な商品 (unpopular product)
- 不人気な政策 (unpopular policy)
- 不人気な科目 (unpopular subject/course)
COMPARISON: While 人気がない also means "unpopular," 不人気 sounds more concise and is preferred in news and formal writing.