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

Examples of unflattering in a Sentence

She was wearing the most unflattering outfit.

Recent Examples on the Web

Straight and looser fits also gain more shape stability, as the fiber prevents the growth that can make relaxed styles sag in unflattering ways. — Fairchild Studio, Footwear News, 17 Sep. 2026

And there was no reason for this contrast to be so unflattering. — Sebastian Stafford-Bloor, New York Times, 14 Sep. 2026

The trailer features footage of Elon Musk’s rockets launching into space and then crashing as people describe him in mostly unflattering terms. — Emily Zemler, Rolling Stone, 8 Sep. 2026

York’s arrest has also produced an unflattering mug shot of him wearing an orange jumpsuit. — Michael McCann, Sportico.com, 24 Aug. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1581, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for unflattering

• backscattering
• battering
• chattering
• clattering
• flattering
• pattering
• scattering
• shattering
• smattering
• spattering