unfavorable

adjective

un·​fa·​vor·​able ˌən-ˈfā-v(ə-)rə-bəl 

-ˈfā-vər-bəl

1

a

: opposed, contrary

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 

-ˈfā-vər-bəl

adverb

Synonyms

• adverse
• counter
• disadvantageous
• hostile
• inimical
• negative
• prejudicial
• unfriendly
• unsympathetic
• untoward

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

When faced with unfavorable reviews or feedback, there is always an opportunity to learn something and make your product or service even better. —Expert Panel®, Forbes, 5 Nov. 2024

In terms of favorability, 36 percent of respondents have a favorable view of Ayotte, 15 percent have a neutral view and 45 percent have an unfavorable view of the GOP candidate. —Joanne Haner, The Hill, 4 Nov. 2024

The segment’s earnings before interest and taxes (EBIT) margin contracted 190 basis points due to an unfavorable sales mix. —Zev Fima, CNBC, 30 Oct. 2024

The percentage of residents who have an unfavorable opinion of Trump went up by a percentage point from September to October, 49% to 50%. —Stephanie Murray, The Arizona Republic, 29 Oct. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1548, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Phrases Containing unfavorable

• in an unfavorable light

Kids Definition

unfavorable

adjective

un·​fa·​vor·​able ˌən-ˈfāv-(ə-)rə-bəl 

1

: expressing disapproval

unfavorable comments

2

: likely to make difficult or unpleasant

unfavorable weather for a camping trip

unfavorably

-blē 

adverb