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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.
But for him and his current program, that bowl matchup would be unflattering for a few reasons. Andy Greder, Twin Cities, 25 Nov. 2025 The statement was paired with an unflattering picture of a younger Ri, who is caught making a derpy expression from a low angle. Hannah Dailey, Billboard, 24 Nov. 2025 Critics, meanwhile, note that articles about Musk and his companies are longer than their Wikipedia counterparts yet omit unflattering details. Harry Booth, Time, 9 Nov. 2025 The new Pac-12 is beginning to resemble the old Pac-12 in one unflattering fashion. Jon Wilner, San Diego Union-Tribune, 9 Nov. 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

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Unflattering.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/unflattering. Accessed 30 Nov. 2025.

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