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

Crowley saw 33% of voters express a favorable opinion, compared to 29% unfavorable and 38% of voters who hadn't heard enough. — Emily R. Condon, USA Today, 26 Aug. 2026

First responders also urge residents not to enter the water at all when swimming is prohibited, especially during unfavorable weather. — Claire Murphy, Chicago Tribune, 24 Aug. 2026

The party has a 54% unfavorable rating compared to 40% favorable, according to a RealClearPolitics polling average. — Emily Hallas, The Washington Examiner, 19 Aug. 2026

But experts said the administration likely would appeal an unfavorable ruling to the Supreme Court, leaving the fate of hundreds of children and their families in doubt. — Sonja Sharp, Los Angeles Times, 19 Aug. 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