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

State of the race Bass has struggled with unfavorable ratings in the wake of the 2025 firestorm. — Times Staff, Los Angeles Times, 30 Oct. 2026

But if the economic environment is unfavorable, or the infrastructure and support systems needed to sustain that new livelihood are absent, those shortcomings may explain the outcome as much as individual decisions do. — Charles Wratto, The Conversation, 27 Oct. 2026

But in a midterm environment broadly seen as unfavorable to Republicans, Democrats see a competitive opportunity to flip control of Congress amid growing economic discontent over rising gas and fertilizer costs in the agriculture-heavy state. — ABC News, 25 Oct. 2026

The Falcons’ bout with the 49ers appeared unfavorable on paper. — Daniel Flick, AJC.com, 25 Oct. 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