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

Despite the unfavorable wind, the mark was more than 14 feet farther than the gold medal-winning throw at the Olympic Games two weeks later. —Scott M. Reid, Oc Register, 17 Apr. 2026

The Supreme Court unanimously sided with Chevron and a group of oil companies on Friday in their bid to move a lawsuit seeking damages for coastline damage caused by oil production in Louisiana to federal court, away from state courts, which had been an unfavorable venue for the companies. —Jack Birle, The Washington Examiner, 17 Apr. 2026

Of course, Live Nation can and will appeal any unfavorable rulings on these motions. —Dominic Patten, Deadline, 15 Apr. 2026

On a reported basis, LVMH sales declined 6% in the quarter, impacted by unfavorable exchange rates. —Elsa Ohlen, CNBC, 13 Apr. 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