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

But soon after, the city offered different rulings unfavorable to the Eddses as to where the boundaries are and where the couple could develop. —Ashley MacKin Solomon, San Diego Union-Tribune, 29 Mar. 2026

Among the most oversold stocks was Meta , which faced two unfavorable outcomes in court last week, in addition to shedding staff. —Liz Napolitano, CNBC, 28 Mar. 2026

Maintaining a diversified portfolio gives you the flexibility to execute all of these moves without being forced into unfavorable selling. —Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 27 Mar. 2026

Echoing a similar point is former heavyweight champion Mike Tyson, who has criticized the current landscape for boxers as stagnant and unfavorable, especially for boxers who aren’t stars. —Michael McCann, Sportico.com, 24 Mar. 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