unfavorable

adjective

un·​fa·​vor·​able ˌən-ˈfā-v(ə-)rə-bəl 

-ˈfā-vər-bəl

1

a

: opposed, contrary

reasons for being unfavorable to the proposal

b

: expressing disapproval : negative

unfavorable reviews

2

: not propitious : disadvantageous

an unfavorable business climate

3

: not pleasing

an unfavorable feature of the plan

unfavorableness noun

unfavorably

ˌən-ˈfā-v(ə-)rə-blē 

-ˈfā-vər-bəl

adverb

Synonyms of unfavorable

• negative
• adverse
• hostile

Examples of unfavorable in a Sentence

She formed an unfavorable impression of him.

the company chose to accept the unfavorable settlement rather than spend more money on legal fees

Recent Examples on the Web

However, in New England, silage corn harvest can extend to late October due to labor constraints, unfavorable soil conditions, and weather variability, which can substantially narrow the window for early cover crop establishment using these conventional drill-seeding methods. — Nora Doonan, Hartford Courant, 28 June 2026

According to a May poll from the Pew Research Center, 59% of Americans hold an unfavorable view of the party, about the same percentage that views the Republican Party unfavorably. — Justin Papp, CNBC, 24 June 2026

In that same poll, a remarkable 57% of Ohioans carry an unfavorable view of the President. — Philip Elliott, Time, 23 June 2026

The undertaking might seem crazy to those who diss the fight game or have unfavorable reviews of the current administration. — Dan Gelston, Fortune, 13 June 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1548, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Phrases Containing unfavorable

• in an unfavorable light

Rhymes for unfavorable

• favorable

Kids Definition

unfavorable

adjective

un·​fa·​vor·​able ˌən-ˈfāv-(ə-)rə-bəl 

1

: expressing disapproval

unfavorable comments

2

: likely to make difficult or unpleasant

unfavorable weather for a camping trip

unfavorably

-blē 

adverb