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 other side: Ayotte's ads have put an unflattering spotlight on the state's largest city, Manchester, where Craig was mayor from 2018 to the beginning of this year. Mike Deehan, Axios, 4 Nov. 2024 Trump’s interactions with his late brother Freddy (Charlie Carrick) are, to put it mildly, unflattering (though pale in comparison with how Freddy is treated by his father). Bill Goodykoontz, The Arizona Republic, 9 Oct. 2024 The consequences are dire indeed, with Uncle Phil (James Avery) losing business, Ashley (Tatyana Ali) breaking her ankle, Carlton (Alfonso Ribeiro) dyeing his hair an unflattering shade of blonde for a Macaulay Culkin costume gone wrong and Aunt Vivian (Janet Hubert) kicking Will out of the house. Nicole Briese, People.com, 22 Oct. 2024 Here too the suffragist is associated with a black cat, to unflattering, ridiculous effect. Natalie Kinkade, JSTOR Daily, 25 Sep. 2024 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

Dictionary Entries Near unflattering

Cite this Entry

“Unflattering.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/unflattering. Accessed 21 Nov. 2024.

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