unsavory

adjective

un·​sa·​vory ˌən-ˈsā-və-rē 

-ˈsāv-rē

1

: insipid, tasteless

2

a

: unpleasant to taste or smell

b

: disagreeable, distasteful

an unsavory assignment

especially : morally offensive

unsavory business practices

Synonyms of unsavory

• distasteful
• unappetizing
• unpalatable
• bad
• horrible
• nasty
• awful
• brackish
• filthy
• yucky
• obnoxious

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

The truth is my friend has some very unsavory traits that make people want to tell him no. — R. Eric Thomas, Chicago Tribune, 7 Aug. 2026

Burpless cucumbers, which are bred to minimize this potentially unsavory risk. — Helena Madden, Martha Stewart, 6 Aug. 2026

One of his more unsavory comments came in the aftermath of Charlie Kirk’s murder, though. — Jon Root Outkick, FOXNews.com, 25 July 2026

Continuing any unsavory conduct right under my nose is probably a form of calling my bluff at this point. — Melissa Willets, Parents, 19 July 2026

Word History

First Known Use

13th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for unsavory

• proslavery
• antislavery
• bravery
• knavery
• savory
• slavery

Kids 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