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 for those of us who adore the 1995 film, unfavorable comparisons seem inevitable. — David Rooney, HollywoodReporter, 21 Sep. 2026

The Raiders caught Johnson in unfavorable mismatches a few times and exploited it. — Omar Kelly, Miami Herald, 15 Sep. 2026

In addition to his 38% favorable view, Mamdani also had a 33% unfavorable view, the poll said. — Terry Collins, USA Today, 15 Sep. 2026

That can be particularly useful in retirement, when an unexpected expense may otherwise require you to pull money from a retirement account, sell investments at an unfavorable time or rely on a high-rate borrowing option. — Angelica Leicht, CBS News, 15 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