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

And several of the unflattering stats have tapered off a ton this last year, including sacks taken (27 in 2025, down from 62 in 2023). — Alex Zietlow, Charlotte Observer, 24 June 2026

Detailed as the planets and ships might be, fans objected to Fox's unflattering appearance after the game's trailer dropped. — James Perkins Mastromarino, NPR, 24 June 2026

Quiz Amazon abruptly dropped a reportedly unflattering biopic that had been in the works about a major tech executive, and other big-name distributors are said to have passed on it. — Danielle Chemtob, Forbes.com, 23 June 2026

Kuzovkov, who died of gunshot wounds to the head, chest and back, had painted unflattering caricatures of Putin, Kadyrov and other high-ranking Russian officials. — Vanessa Gera, Los Angeles Times, 18 June 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