unfavorable

adjective

un·​fa·​vor·​able ˌən-ˈfā-v(ə-)rə-bəl 

-ˈfā-vər-bəl

1

a

: opposed, contrary

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 

-ˈfā-vər-bəl

adverb

Synonyms

• adverse
• counter
• disadvantageous
• hostile
• inimical
• negative
• prejudicial
• unfriendly
• unsympathetic
• untoward

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

Despite unfavorable reviews and terrible audience scores, the 35th entry in Disney’s Marvel Cinematic Universe arrived slightly above projections and ranks as the biggest opening weekend of the year. —Rebecca Rubin, Variety, 16 Feb. 2025

According to a Quinnipiac University poll, only 31 percent of Americans have a favorable view of the Democratic Party, and more than half of respondents have an unfavorable view of it. —Elizabeth Currid-Halkett, National Review, 16 Feb. 2025

This decline was attributed to unfavorable volume/mix and currency impacts. —Quartz Intelligence Newsroom, Quartz, 13 Feb. 2025

Many Ukrainians are hopeful of Trump’s ability to end the conflict; others fear his negotiations will force them to accept unfavorable terms and embolden Russian President Vladimir Putin. —Alexander Smith, NBC News, 12 Feb. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1548, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Phrases Containing unfavorable

• in an unfavorable light

Kids Definition

unfavorable

adjective

un·​fa·​vor·​able ˌən-ˈfāv-(ə-)rə-bəl 

1

: expressing disapproval

unfavorable comments

2

: likely to make difficult or unpleasant

unfavorable weather for a camping trip

unfavorably

-blē 

adverb