unsavory
adjective
un·sa·vory
ˌən-ˈsā-və-rē 
-ˈsāv-rē
2
a
: unpleasant to taste or smell
b
: disagreeable, distasteful
an unsavory assignment
especially
: morally offensive
unsavory business practices
Synonyms
Examples of unsavory in a Sentence
He is an unsavory character.
an unsavory blend of spices that simply overwhelmed the fish's delicate flavor
Recent Examples on the Web
Even with the city’s waste flowing the other way, the waterway came to be seen as unsafe, or at least unsavory for swimming for much of the latter part of the 20th century and beyond.
—
Ron Grossman, Chicago Tribune, 26 May 2024
Blake said neighborhood moms often directed police to certain blocks because of unsavory activity.
—Rebecca Noel, Charlotte Observer, 22 May 2024
See all Example Sentences for unsavory 
Ron Grossman, Chicago Tribune, 26 May 2024
Blake said neighborhood moms often directed police to certain blocks because of unsavory activity.
—Rebecca Noel, Charlotte Observer, 22 May 2024
See all Example Sentences for unsavory
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'unsavory.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
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Cite this Entry
“Unsavory.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/unsavory. Accessed 1 Jun. 2024.
Copy CitationKids Definition
unsavory
adjective
un·sa·vory
ˌən-ˈsāv(-ə)-rē
ˈən-
1
: having little or no taste
2
: having a bad taste or smell
3
: morally bad
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