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

Another survey, released Thursday and conducted by Emerson College Polling Massachusetts, reported 45% of its respondents viewed Healey favorably, with 35% having unfavorable view of the governor, and 20% undecided. —Tim Dunn, Boston Herald, 9 May 2026

Gray faux-wood flooring Much like beige and white are unfavorable palettes these days, gray is an unwelcome choice for finishes. —Madeline Bilis, Architectural Digest, 7 May 2026

Embiid’s aggressiveness early — along with Tyrese Maxey’s speed and ability to put defenders in bad positions — put the Knicks in unfavorable foul trouble early. —Fiifi Frimpong, New York Daily News, 5 May 2026

That means retirees are generally required to take out a larger percentage of their account balance each year, even if market conditions are unfavorable. —Angelica Leicht, CBS News, 5 May 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