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

Some ran in very unfavorable political cycles, others didn’t. —Craig Gilbert, jsonline.com, 8 Dec. 2025

Despite these measures, employees have contended that unfavorable working conditions have not changed and that infrastructure problems persist. —News Desk, Artforum, 8 Dec. 2025

In the United States, the war in Gaza has dramatically eroded public support for Israel, with unfavorable attitudes toward Israel at record highs across the political spectrum. —Andrew P. Miller, Foreign Affairs, 5 Dec. 2025

Hunt's favorability is 49 percent versus an 11 percent unfavorable rating. —Deputy News Editor, MSNBC Newsweek, 4 Dec. 2025

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