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

• 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

The iPhone 17′s margin could also be squeezed by an unfavorable product mix and a higher bill of materials cost. —Lisa Kailai Han, CNBC, 13 Oct. 2025

Denver’s defense remained stifling even when it was put in unfavorable situations. —The Athletic Nfl Staff, New York Times, 12 Oct. 2025

The regulation is designed to give farmers a stronger negotiating position so that powerful companies in the food supply chain do not impose unfavorable conditions. —Pilar Arias, FOXNews.com, 9 Oct. 2025

Of that group, 41% had a favorable opinion of Trump compared to the 54% who were unfavorable. —Michael Nied, PEOPLE, 7 Oct. 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