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

Troubled childhood Records, social media posts and interviews paint an unflattering picture of Randolph’s life. — Brittany Wallman, Miami Herald, 9 July 2026

The locals who work for safari companies have an apt and often unflattering way of naming sportsmen. — Jack O'Connor, Outdoor Life, 8 July 2026

Midjourney made unflattering headlines again the following year, when artists published a 24-page Google Sheet identifying 16,000 artists whose works the company allegedly used as training data for its AI image generator. — Tessa Solomon, ARTnews.com, 6 July 2026

Yellow Despite being a major staple in cozy '90s kitchens, countertops in mustard, magnolia, and Tuscan yellow can feel dull and unflattering amongst today's more subtle hues. — The Spruce, 30 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