unsavory
adjective
un·sa·vory
ˌən-ˈsā-və-rē 
-ˈsāv-rē
2
a
: unpleasant to taste or smell
b
: disagreeable, distasteful
an unsavory assignment
especially
: morally offensive
unsavory business practices
Synonyms
Examples of unsavory in a Sentence
He is an unsavory character.
an unsavory blend of spices that simply overwhelmed the fish's delicate flavor
Recent Examples on the Web
With so many other crises calling for the Biden administration’s attention, rolling back Russia’s advances in Africa will not be easy, not least because the Kremlin has ingratiated itself with many unsavory regimes there.
—
Frederic Wehrey, Foreign Affairs, 9 July 2024
The American immigration system has been called many unsavory things, most of them deserved.
—Jonathan Blitzer, The New Yorker, 30 June 2024
In order to impress his future in-laws, Betsy’s father Eddie (Alan Alda, who wrote and directed the film) gets himself in way over his head financially, and resorts to some unsavory characters to pay the bills.
—Julie Tremaine, Peoplemag, 13 June 2024
Journalists and legal authorities pressured unsavory contractors and criticized JFK for having frightened citizens without instructing them on how to stay safe.
—Mark Dent, thehustle.co, 31 May 2024
See all Example Sentences for unsavory 
Frederic Wehrey, Foreign Affairs, 9 July 2024
The American immigration system has been called many unsavory things, most of them deserved.
—Jonathan Blitzer, The New Yorker, 30 June 2024
In order to impress his future in-laws, Betsy’s father Eddie (Alan Alda, who wrote and directed the film) gets himself in way over his head financially, and resorts to some unsavory characters to pay the bills.
—Julie Tremaine, Peoplemag, 13 June 2024
Journalists and legal authorities pressured unsavory contractors and criticized JFK for having frightened citizens without instructing them on how to stay safe.
—Mark Dent, thehustle.co, 31 May 2024
See all Example Sentences for unsavory
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'unsavory.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Dictionary Entries Near unsavory
Cite this Entry
“Unsavory.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/unsavory. Accessed 27 Jul. 2024.
Copy CitationKids Definition
unsavory
adjective
un·sa·vory
ˌən-ˈsāv(-ə)-rē
ˈən-
1
: having little or no taste
2
: having a bad taste or smell
3
: morally bad
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share