unsavory

adjective

un·​sa·​vory ˌən-ˈsā-və-rē How to pronounce unsavory (audio)
-ˈsāv-rē
1
2
a
: unpleasant to taste or smell
b
: disagreeable, distasteful
an unsavory assignment
especially : morally offensive
unsavory business practices

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
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 reporters decided to publish Cohen’s name to illustrate the unsavory methods political operatives utilize to badmouth opponents. Michael McCann, Sportico.com, 2 May 2025 What critics once dismissed as crypto’s unsavory use case has evolved into its most compelling product market fit. Boaz Sobrado, Forbes.com, 30 Apr. 2025 In the latest unsavory trend, visitors stick chewing gum on a nearby tree, which is now swathed in protective bamboo. Heller McAlpin, NPR, 28 Apr. 2025 Evans' latest film, Havoc, stars Tom Hardy as Walker, an unsavory fixer tasked with protecting the son of real estate tycoon Lawrence Beaumont (Forest Whitaker) after the kid stumbles into a plot involving the Yakuza, crooked cops, and other assorted goons. Randall Colburn, EW.com, 26 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for unsavory

Word History

First Known Use

13th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of unsavory was in the 13th century

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Cite this Entry

“Unsavory.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/unsavory. Accessed 11 May. 2025.

Kids Definition

unsavory

adjective
un·​sa·​vory ˌən-ˈsāv(-ə)-rē How to pronounce unsavory (audio)
ˈən-
1
: having little or no taste
2
: having a bad taste or smell
3
: morally bad
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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