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 The very first shot of the film is extremely unflattering for David. Jamie Lang, Variety, 17 May 2024 The wealthiest woman in Australia has reportedly demanded that an unflattering portrait of herself be removed from a gallery. Danielle Jennings, Peoplemag, 16 May 2024 That testimony could be key for prosecutors, who are trying prove that Trump schemed to illegally influence the 2016 race by burying unflattering stories that could damage his campaign. Michael R. Sisak, Fortune, 14 May 2024 He has already been introduced to the jury by others who spoke of him from the stand, often in unflattering terms. Jonah E. Bromwich, New York Times, 10 May 2024 That contradiction and the manifold unflattering comments about Mr. Cohen could aid the defense. Jesse McKinley, New York Times, 2 May 2024 Goodbye to super conservative unflattering pregnancy looks, and hello to looks that beam with joy. Kerane Marcellus, Essence, 15 Apr. 2024 He was criticized for pettiness and apparent misrepresentations in his unflattering comments about some French writers and former political leaders. Brian Murphy, Washington Post, 16 Mar. 2024 Other commentators have suggested that Middleton has been recovering from cosmetic surgery, with some jokingly suggesting a Brazilian buttock lift (BBL), or even that the Princess has gotten an unflattering haircut and is taking time to grow it out. Dani Di Placido, Forbes, 28 Feb. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'unflattering.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

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 23 May. 2024.

More from Merriam-Webster on unflattering

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!