UNFAVORABLE Synonyms: 95 Similar and Opposite Words

unfavorable

adjective

ˌən-ˈfā-v(ə-)rə-bəl

Definition of unfavorable

as in negative

opposed to one's interests the company chose to accept the unfavorable settlement rather than spend more money on legal fees

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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.

Recent Examples of unfavorable First responders also urge residents not to enter the water at all when swimming is prohibited, especially during unfavorable weather. — Claire Murphy, Chicago Tribune, 24 Aug. 2026 The party has a 54% unfavorable rating compared to 40% favorable, according to a RealClearPolitics polling average. — Emily Hallas, The Washington Examiner, 19 Aug. 2026 But experts said the administration likely would appeal an unfavorable ruling to the Supreme Court, leaving the fate of hundreds of children and their families in doubt. — Sonja Sharp, Los Angeles Times, 19 Aug. 2026 Pew Research Center’s 2026 survey of 36 countries found that a median of just 37% of respondents expressed a favorable view of the United States, compared with 57% who held an unfavorable view. — John A. Quelch, Fortune, 18 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for unfavorable

Recent Examples of Synonyms for unfavorable

Adjective

And as the backlash to generative AI continues to grow, especially in creative fields, those attempts are bringing in far more negative than positive attention.

— Victor Tangermann, Futurism, 3 Sep. 2026
At least twice each fiscal year, school boards review updated financial projections and classify their districts’ fiscal health as positive, qualified or negative, after which county superintendents review each certification and may downgrade it.

— Chaewon Chung, Sacbee.com, 3 Sep. 2026

Definition of negative

Adjective

Ustel said the ferry faced adverse weather conditions and began taking in water just 15 minutes after departure.

— ABC News, ABC News, 30 Aug. 2026
The report identified adverse effects on dozens of historic properties, including the Lincoln Memorial, Washington Monument and other landmarks.

— Amelia Lucas, CNBC, 29 Aug. 2026

Definition of adverse

Adjective

Kuwait's army said its air defence systems were targeting hostile missile and drone attacks.

— Leonie Kidd, CNBC, 3 Sep. 2026
Some recent laws, including the Safer Skies Act of 2025, grant state and local agencies (though not private-sector entities) greater license to detect and track hostile drones.

— Seth G. Jones, Foreign Affairs, 3 Sep. 2026

Definition of hostile

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unfathomable

unfavorable

unfavorably

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“Unfavorable.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/unfavorable. Accessed 6 Sep. 2026.

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Synonyms of unfavorable

adjective

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