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.
Among Republicans, 70% are favorable and 28% are unfavorable. — ABC News, 18 Oct. 2026 Their idea is to name four arbitrators who would be unfavorable to Taylor & Byrne and one that would be favorable. — Rafaela Bassili, Vulture, 16 Oct. 2026 Echard, then 28 and a former NFL athlete, had ended his season 26 run on the popular ABC series as an unfavorable lead, to say the least. — Jackie Strause, HollywoodReporter, 13 Oct. 2026 For example, a retiree with sufficient cash value might use it to supplement other assets rather than selling investments during an unfavorable market period. — Angelica Leicht, CBS News, 8 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 22 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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