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 exhibit on the fourth floor of the California State Archives building, also home to the California Museum, does not overlook unflattering moments in California’s history with voting rights. Ethan Wolin august 6, Sacbee.com, 6 Aug. 2025 The award for the most unflattering card goes to Pistons forward Tobias Harris. Zach Harper, New York Times, 11 July 2025 But unflattering headlines have dogged the Buddhist monk for years – including his acceptance of a 1 million yuan ($140,000) car from the local government as a reward for promoting tourism in 2006. Nectar Gan, CNN Money, 28 July 2025 Too Much, the 10-episode Netflix series from Lena Dunham, invites a series of unflattering comparisons to the Girls auteur’s earlier work. Derek Robertson, The Washington Examiner, 25 July 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 19 Aug. 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!