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.
The man, who declined to identify himself, did not remember Top Dog but remembered Singer, describing him in unflattering terms. Miami Herald, 7 Nov. 2025 Critics will dig to find dirt or unflattering data on Mamdani the person and his policies. Andrew Stanton, MSNBC Newsweek, 5 Nov. 2025 Equally illuminating are the candid, often unflattering, reflections of his exes (including Isabella Rossellini) and daughters, who for decades took a back seat to his art-making and addictions. Judy Berman, Time, 30 Oct. 2025 Taylor claimed that the Baby Cow and Pathé Production film portrayed him in an unflattering light. Jake Kanter, Deadline, 29 Oct. 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 9 Nov. 2025.

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