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.
Just days before, HBO Max released the episode in which Smart’s character, Deborah Vance, sacrifices her lifelong dream of finally becoming the first woman to host a late night show rather than give in to corporate bullying and fire Ava for leaking an unflattering story about the network. Pamela McClintock, HollywoodReporter, 18 Aug. 2025 In fact, some scouts had some very unflattering things to say about the younger Sanders. Robert Marvi, MSNBC Newsweek, 16 Aug. 2025 Your bandmates said some unflattering things about you in the press before that. Simon Vozick-Levinson, Rolling Stone, 13 Aug. 2025 An unflattering review in the New York Times was followed by reports of staff turmoil and the decision to reinstate tipping, effectively raising the prices of the restaurant. Jeremy Repanich, Robb Report, 13 Aug. 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 25 Aug. 2025.

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