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

But the script that eventually landed in Kreiz’s inbox ultimately painted Mattel—and Kreiz himself—in a decidedly unflattering light. — Preston Fore, Fortune, 1 Oct. 2026

To emphasize the ghoulishness, cinematographer Emmanuel Lubezki shoots the president and his advisors in unflattering low angles with a formaldehyde sheen. — Amy Nicholson, Los Angeles Times, 29 Sep. 2026

Fairlane has garnered a string of unflattering headlines in recent years, including for unpaid taxes and utility bills, unplowed snow in the parking lot and a 2024 Christmas tree inside the mall that wasn't take down until this year. — Jc Reindl, Freep.com, 22 Sep. 2026

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

Word History

First Known Use

1581, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for unflattering

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