in an unfavorable light
idiom
: in a way that makes someone or something look bad
The article cast/put him in an unfavorable light.
Examples of in an unfavorable light in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Republicans are the only political faction that view Taylor Swift in an unfavorable light, with the majority not finding her popular, according to new polling coinciding with the pop superstar's latest album release and a podcast appearance that drew millions of viewers in hours.
—
Nick Mordowanec, MSNBC Newsweek, 14 Aug. 2025
Part of two generations now that have painted them in an unfavorable light.
—Paul Tassi, Forbes, 3 Sep. 2024
Yet more than a third of young people see both parties in an unfavorable light.
—E. Tammy Kim, The New Yorker, 27 June 2024
As evidence, the authors pointed to sagging growth in Tesla vehicle demand; a YouGov poll showing Musk’s favorability in decline; comments from a few auto analysts; and a smattering of anecdotes that put the entrepreneur in an unfavorable light.
—Jacob Carpenter, Fortune, 26 Jan. 2023
In the past, North Korea has responded dramatically to attempts to paint the regime in an unfavorable light.
—Brent Lang, Variety, 23 Jan. 2023
The minority is more likely to view issues as opportunities to cast the majority in an unfavorable light, and the majority will be less likely to make concessions.
—William A. Galston, WSJ, 25 May 2021
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.
Nick Mordowanec, MSNBC Newsweek, 14 Aug. 2025
Part of two generations now that have painted them in an unfavorable light.
—Paul Tassi, Forbes, 3 Sep. 2024
Yet more than a third of young people see both parties in an unfavorable light.
—E. Tammy Kim, The New Yorker, 27 June 2024
As evidence, the authors pointed to sagging growth in Tesla vehicle demand; a YouGov poll showing Musk’s favorability in decline; comments from a few auto analysts; and a smattering of anecdotes that put the entrepreneur in an unfavorable light.
—Jacob Carpenter, Fortune, 26 Jan. 2023
In the past, North Korea has responded dramatically to attempts to paint the regime in an unfavorable light.
—Brent Lang, Variety, 23 Jan. 2023
The minority is more likely to view issues as opportunities to cast the majority in an unfavorable light, and the majority will be less likely to make concessions.
—William A. Galston, WSJ, 25 May 2021
Cite this Entry
“In an unfavorable light.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/in%20an%20unfavorable%20light. Accessed 10 Sep. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share