unflattering

adjective

un·​flat·​ter·​ing ˌən-ˈfla-tə-riŋ How to pronounce unflattering (audio)
Synonyms of unflatteringnext
: not flattering
an unflattering portrait
especially : unfavorable
unflattering remarks
unflatteringly
ˌən-ˈfla-tə-riŋ-lē How to pronounce unflattering (audio)
adverb

Examples of unflattering in a Sentence

She was wearing the most unflattering outfit.
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.
His campaign shrugged off the unflattering survey data. — Matthew Kelly updated June 26, Kansas City Star, 26 June 2026 This applies to my fashion and beauty choices especially because there’s no way to hide an unflattering face of makeup. — Reece Andavolgyi, InStyle, 15 June 2026 Detailed as the planets and ships might be, fans objected to Fox's unflattering appearance after the game's trailer dropped. — James Perkins Mastromarino, NPR, 24 June 2026 Your writing could end up as an unflattering story on X, Instagram, LinkedIn, or as content for a YouTube channel. — Allbusiness, Forbes.com, 26 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for unflattering

Word History

First Known Use

1581, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of unflattering was in 1581

Rhymes for unflattering

See All Rhymes for unflattering

Browse Nearby Words

unflashy
unflattering
unflatteringly
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Unflattering.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/unflattering. Accessed 10 Jul. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on unflattering

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for unflattering

Nglish: Translation of unflattering for Spanish Speakers

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