unflattering

adjective

un·​flat·​ter·​ing ˌən-ˈfla-tə-riŋ How to pronounce unflattering (audio)
: not flattering
an unflattering portrait
especially : unfavorable
unflattering remarks
unflatteringly adverb

Examples of unflattering in a Sentence

She was wearing the most unflattering outfit.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
If that’s true, recent changes to its format offer an unflattering assessment of the country’s aspiring scholars. Editorial, Boston Herald, 9 Sep. 2025 Sometimes prosthetics are required, or fake teeth, or horribly unflattering wigs. David Fear, Rolling Stone, 6 Sep. 2025 The organizations have produced videos, often deceptively edited, in which members secretly record conversations with their subjects to gather incriminating or unflattering information. Brett Samuels, The Hill, 5 Sep. 2025 In the middle of the day, sunlight is harsh and directly overhead, which can create an unflattering flat look. Mike De Sisti, jsonline.com, 4 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for unflattering

Word History

First Known Use

1581, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of unflattering was in 1581

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Cite this Entry

“Unflattering.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/unflattering. Accessed 15 Sep. 2025.

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