unflattering

adjective

un·​flat·​ter·​ing ˌən-ˈfla-tə-riŋ How to pronounce unflattering (audio)
: not flattering
an unflattering portrait
especially : unfavorable
unflattering remarks
unflatteringly adverb

Examples of unflattering in a Sentence

She was wearing the most unflattering outfit.
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.
The selection committee tends to take an unflattering view of teams that load up on cream puffs. Jon Wilner, The Mercury News, 10 Feb. 2025 One is unflattering of the lead; the other is a damning indictment of the director and his project. Giancarlo Sopo, IndieWire, 3 Feb. 2025 The film’s press tour sparked a fierce online backlash against Lively, with clips and old interviews painting an unflattering picture of the actress. Dani Di Placido, Forbes, 16 Jan. 2025 The pair have taken shots at each other over the years, with Shaq being the primary aggressor, sporadically insulting his predecessor with unflattering jokes and blatant slights. Preezy Brown, VIBE.com, 7 Jan. 2025 See All Example Sentences for unflattering

Word History

First Known Use

1581, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of unflattering was in 1581

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Cite this Entry

“Unflattering.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/unflattering. Accessed 2 Mar. 2025.

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