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
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.
Her flaws, which present an unflattering reflection of who people really are, seduce the reader. Angel by Elizabeth Taylor The title character of this book, Angelica (Angel) Deverell, has one ambition: to write. The New Yorker, New Yorker, 30 Apr. 2025 Sure, a smattering of unflattering reports from anonymous sources cast a degree of doubt on Sanders’ landing spot. Mike Jones, New York Times, 28 Apr. 2025 That could be viewed as an unflattering way to speak about a former teammate, or it could be seen as a son simply defending his father. Pat Leonard, New York Daily News, 21 Apr. 2025 Fans would rather see screenshots of your FIFA matches and unflattering angles of you sitting on the couch than the umpteenth brand collaboration or photo shoot. Jeff Ihaza, Rolling Stone, 18 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for unflattering

Word History

First Known Use

1581, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of unflattering was in 1581

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Unflattering.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/unflattering. Accessed 19 May. 2025.

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!