unfavorable

adjective

un·​fa·​vor·​able ˌən-ˈfā-v(ə-)rə-bəl How to pronounce unfavorable (audio)
-ˈfā-vər-bəl
1
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

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.
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 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

Dictionary Entries Near unfavorable

Cite this Entry

“Unfavorable.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/unfavorable. Accessed 19 Feb. 2025.

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 adverb

More from Merriam-Webster on unfavorable

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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