unrewarding

adjective

un·​re·​ward·​ing ˌən-ri-ˈwȯr-diŋ How to pronounce unrewarding (audio)
Synonyms of unrewardingnext
: failing to provide satisfaction or a reward : not rewarding
unrewarding work
unrewardingly adverb

Examples of unrewarding in a Sentence

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.
Writing posts and connecting with people online can be unrewarding at first. — Andrey Insarov, Forbes, 5 Mar. 2025 At a time when younger workers are often stereotyped as quick to abandon jobs that feel difficult or unrewarding, Dimon said discomfort is part of the process. — Preston Fore, Fortune, 19 May 2026 These plants are often altogether unrewarding for pollinators, since the flowers no longer produce nectar or pollen. — Claire Therese Hemingway, The Conversation, 18 Aug. 2025 Rather, their work becomes especially exploitative and unrewarding, leaving them prone to disillusionment. — Adia Harvey Wingfield, Forbes.com, 30 Jan. 2026 See All Example Sentences for unrewarding

Word History

First Known Use

1651, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of unrewarding was in 1651

Rhymes for unrewarding

See All Rhymes for unrewarding

Browse Nearby Words

unrewarded
unrewarding
unrhetorical
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Unrewarding.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/unrewarding. Accessed 8 Jul. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on unrewarding

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for unrewarding

Nglish: Translation of unrewarding for Spanish Speakers

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