unsavory

adjective

un·​sa·​vory ˌən-ˈsā-və-rē How to pronounce unsavory (audio)
-ˈsāv-rē
1
2
a
: unpleasant to taste or smell
b
: disagreeable, distasteful
an unsavory assignment
especially : morally offensive
unsavory business practices

Examples of unsavory in a Sentence

He is an unsavory character. an unsavory blend of spices that simply overwhelmed the fish's delicate flavor
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.
Overly precocious George jumps from the train to the countryside and, in true Dickensian fashion, encounters some helpful people as well as some unsavory types on his treacherous trek back home. Randy Myers, The Mercury News, 7 Nov. 2024 Rino, Lila’s brother, Stefano, her ex-husband, and Gennaro have all been taken under questioning; her brother and son particularly for their association with the neighborhood’s unsavory characters. Rafaela Bassili, Vulture, 4 Nov. 2024 However, if a buyer does discover unsavory past events via research, a listing agent should be prepared to discuss them if asked, says Beacher. Mimi Montgomery, Axios, 31 Oct. 2024 The unsavory reputation of politicians may also explain why so few Americans would want their children to pursue politics as a career. Karlyn Bowman, Forbes, 15 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for unsavory 

Word History

First Known Use

13th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of unsavory was in the 13th century

Dictionary Entries Near unsavory

Cite this Entry

“Unsavory.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/unsavory. Accessed 3 Dec. 2024.

Kids Definition

unsavory

adjective
un·​sa·​vory ˌən-ˈsāv(-ə)-rē How to pronounce unsavory (audio)
ˈən-
1
: having little or no taste
2
: having a bad taste or smell
3
: morally bad

More from Merriam-Webster on unsavory

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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