unfavorable

adjective

un·​fa·​vor·​able ˌən-ˈfā-v(ə-)rə-bəl How to pronounce unfavorable (audio)
-ˈfā-vər-bəl
Synonyms of unfavorablenext
1
a
: opposed, contrary
reasons for being unfavorable to the proposal
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

Synonyms of unfavorable

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Examples of unfavorable in a Sentence

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
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.
But in a midterm environment broadly seen as unfavorable to Republicans, Democrats see a competitive opportunity to flip control of Congress amid growing economic discontent over rising gas and fertilizer costs in the agriculture-heavy state. — ABC News, 25 Oct. 2026 The Falcons’ bout with the 49ers appeared unfavorable on paper. — Daniel Flick, AJC.com, 25 Oct. 2026 Right now there’s a lot of unfavorable reporting about the Republican Party’s electoral prospects, given widespread voter dissatisfaction with the economy and the state of the country. — Brian Stelter, CNN Money, 22 Oct. 2026 Chrissy’s discovery sets the stage for a twist that merely draws unfavorable comparisons to far better speculative science fiction about our growing dependence on AI companionship. — Los Angeles Times, 22 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for unfavorable

Word History

First Known Use

1548, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of unfavorable was in 1548

Phrases Containing unfavorable

Rhymes for unfavorable

See All Rhymes for unfavorable

Browse Nearby Words

unfaulty
unfavorable
unfavorableness
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Unfavorable.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/unfavorable. Accessed 29 Oct. 2026.

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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
-blē How to pronounce unfavorable (audio)
adverb
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