unflattering

adjective

un·flat·ter·ing ˌən-ˈfla-tə-riŋ

: not flattering

an unflattering portrait

especially : unfavorable

unflattering remarks

unflatteringly

ˌən-ˈfla-tə-riŋ-lē

adverb

Example Sentences

She was wearing the most unflattering outfit.

Recent Examples on the Web Tomorrow’s newsletter will focus on a less serious topic, but the point here is that Ukraine is holding a mirror to the values of the crypto community—and the sight is often unflattering.

Jeff John Roberts, Fortune, 11 Oct. 2022 From fast-moving phone shots to unflattering angles, creator Issa Rae’s latest series brings to life an emerging film language.

Steven Vargas, Los Angeles Times, 4 Aug. 2022 With tons of easy access pockets and an adjustable waistband, this jumpsuit has a loose fit without being unflattering.

Emma Seymour, Good Housekeeping, 29 July 2022 With 11 plaintiffs, the discovery process alone will be lengthy and revelatory, with unflattering details likely to emerge about both the Tour’s secretive handling of discipline and LIV’s grubby financials.

Eamon Lynch, The Arizona Republic, 7 Aug. 2022 In that regard, the United States finds itself in rather unflattering company.

Ishaan Tharoor, Washington Post, 27 June 2022 Canellos leaves out unflattering details noted by earlier biographers that implicate Harlan more directly as a slaveholder.

Seth Stern, The Christian Science Monitor, 8 June 2021 However, many of Williams' design elements still felt out of place on the haute Paris runway, such as 90s low-slung cargo shorts that seemed unflattering, clashing with the black silken ruffled cuffs that dangled down.

Thomas Adamson, ajc, 2 Oct. 2022 These weren’t stories on some crime show with an unflattering mugshot.

Gary Washburn, BostonGlobe.com, 30 Sep. 2022 See More

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'unflattering.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.