unfavorable

adjective

un·​fa·​vor·​able ˌən-ˈfā-v(ə-)rə-bəl How to pronounce unfavorable (audio)
-ˈfā-vər-bəl
1
b
: expressing disapproval : negative
unfavorable reviews
2
: not propitious : disadvantageous
an unfavorable business climate
3
: not pleasing
an unfavorable feature of the plan
unfavorableness noun
unfavorably
ˌən-ˈfā-v(ə-)rə-blē How to pronounce unfavorable (audio)
-ˈfā-vər-bəl
adverb

Example Sentences

She formed an unfavorable impression of him. the company chose to accept the unfavorable settlement rather than spend more money on legal fees
Recent Examples on the Web Money aside, the move was generally received as unfavorable. Alexis Cubit, The Courier-Journal, 31 Jan. 2023 Most adults in the US consider the quality of the country’s health care to be unfavorable, according to a new survey. Deidre Mcphillips, CNN, 19 Jan. 2023 Surely the network girded itself for some unfavorable headlines stemming from the lawsuit. Erik Wemple, Washington Post, 13 Apr. 2023 According to Pew, 83% of US adults have unfavorable views of China, versus 14% with favorable views. Mary Hui, Quartz, 12 Apr. 2023 Maintaining composure and objectivity will preserve your credibility when facing unfavorable criticism. Johnny C. Taylor Jr., USA TODAY, 11 Apr. 2023 Another 39% in the new poll had an unfavorable view of DeSantis, with 2% not sure. Steven Lemongello, Orlando Sentinel, 4 Apr. 2023 Brittney Griner controversy Mulkey has had her share of unfavorable media attention. Caleb Yum, Dallas News, 2 Apr. 2023 New evidence suggests an unfavorable climate may have contributed to a loss of grazing habitats, which eventually drove them to extinction. Alex Chun, Smithsonian Magazine, 30 Mar. 2023 See More

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'unfavorable.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1548, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of unfavorable was in 1548

Dictionary Entries Near unfavorable

Cite this Entry

“Unfavorable.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/unfavorable. Accessed 31 May. 2023.

Kids Definition

unfavorable

adjective
un·​fa·​vor·​able ˌən-ˈfāv-(ə-)rə-bəl How to pronounce unfavorable (audio)
1
: expressing disapproval
unfavorable comments
2
: likely to make difficult or unpleasant
unfavorable weather for a camping trip
unfavorably adverb

More from Merriam-Webster on unfavorable

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