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

Motions and shifts can also create unfavorable mismatches, like when Johnson has to cover a tight end, or a tailback coming out the backfield. — Omar Kelly, Miami Herald, 14 Sep. 2026

Good opportunities should create attractive potential upside without placing the organization in a position where one unfavorable outcome becomes catastrophic. — Brian Ferdinand, Forbes.com, 8 Sep. 2026

The vast majority of Democrats — 92% — have an unfavorable option. — Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 6 Sep. 2026

Affirm left Australia in 2023 shortly after unfavorable macroeconomic conditions prompted the company to lay off 19 percent of its workforce. — Roy Stephen Canivel, Footwear News, 1 Sep. 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