unfavorable

adjective

un·​fa·​vor·​able ˌən-ˈfā-v(ə-)rə-bəl 

-ˈfā-vər-bəl

1

a

: opposed, contrary

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

• adverse
• counter
• disadvantageous
• hostile
• inimical
• negative
• prejudicial
• unfriendly
• unsympathetic
• untoward

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

Comparable sales for the quarter decreased 1.7% blamed on unfavorable weather earlier in the year, while pro and online sales grew. —Catherine Muccigrosso, Charlotte Observer, 21 May 2025

Her biggest unfavorable numbers from those surveyed came from voters in parts of Northern California, at 60%, and Orange County, with 57%. —Stephen Hobbs, Sacbee.com, 14 May 2025

This compares to an unfavorable score of 65 percent, for those who disliked her, giving her a net approval rating of minus 45. —Jack Royston, MSNBC Newsweek, 14 May 2025

The company has the financial strength to manage through the unfavorable circumstances. —Catherine Brock, Forbes.com, 5 May 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