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.
Sometimes prosthetics are required, or fake teeth, or horribly unflattering wigs. David Fear, Rolling Stone, 6 Sep. 2025 In the middle of the day, sunlight is harsh and directly overhead, which can create an unflattering flat look. Mike De Sisti, jsonline.com, 4 Sep. 2025 The work of these, and many other venerable professions should not draw generalized comments on their service in such unflattering terms. U T Readers, San Diego Union-Tribune, 29 Aug. 2025 Ahead of the upcoming 2025 college football season, Colorado has received a new unflattering projection. Evan Massey, MSNBC Newsweek, 26 Aug. 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 8 Sep. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on unflattering

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!