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.
When social media users called the wig unflattering, the insults dug deep. Lea Veloso, StyleCaster, 27 Sep. 2025 Like Comey, Bolton wrote a book that portrayed Trump in very unflattering ways. Ed White, Twin Cities, 26 Sep. 2025 This month, Torstensson shot back in New York Supreme Court, suing for custody of their 7-year-old son and painting Massenet in an unflattering light. Evan Clark, Footwear News, 25 Sep. 2025 The Kimmel controversy underscores how politicized opinions and comments around Kirk’s murder have become, with high-profile campaigns urging employers to fire people who make comments perceived as unflattering about Kirk. Ana Nicolaci Da Costa, CNN Money, 24 Sep. 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 30 Sep. 2025.

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