unfavorable

adjective

un·​fa·​vor·​able ˌən-ˈfā-v(ə-)rə-bəl How to pronounce unfavorable (audio)
-ˈfā-vər-bəl
Synonyms of unfavorablenext
1
a
: opposed, contrary
reasons for being unfavorable to the proposal
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

Synonyms of unfavorable

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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.
Affirm left Australia in 2023 shortly after unfavorable macroeconomic conditions prompted the company to lay off 19 percent of its workforce. — Roy Stephen Canivel, Footwear News, 1 Sep. 2026 Polling has consistently shown most voters have an unfavorable view of both the Democratic Party and the Republican Party. — Clara Hendrickson, Freep.com, 29 Aug. 2026 But Canadians are pretty united in their unfavorable views of Trump, so Carney has a strong domestic position to stand up to him. — Kent Jones, The Conversation, 27 Aug. 2026 Crowley saw 33% of voters express a favorable opinion, compared to 29% unfavorable and 38% of voters who hadn't heard enough. — Emily R. Condon, USA Today, 26 Aug. 2026 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

Phrases Containing unfavorable

Rhymes for unfavorable

See All Rhymes for unfavorable

Browse Nearby Words

unfaulty
unfavorable
unfavorableness
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Unfavorable.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/unfavorable. Accessed 4 Sep. 2026.

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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
-blē How to pronounce unfavorable (audio)
adverb
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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