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.
The undertaking might seem crazy to those who diss the fight game or have unfavorable reviews of the current administration. — Dan Gelston, Fortune, 13 June 2026 In that same poll, a remarkable 57% of Ohioans carry an unfavorable view of the President. — Philip Elliott, Time, 23 June 2026 That same study found 39% held an unfavorable view of socialism, versus 47% with an unfavorable view of capitalism. — Jesse Sarles, CBS News, 1 July 2026 If the value of the stock declines, additional collateral may be required or positions may need to be liquidated under unfavorable conditions. — Joshua Harmon, Forbes.com, 1 July 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

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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 8 Jul. 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

More from Merriam-Webster on unfavorable

Nglish: Translation of unfavorable for Spanish Speakers

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