unsavory

adjective

un·​sa·​vory ˌən-ˈsā-və-rē How to pronounce unsavory (audio)
-ˈsāv-rē
1
2
a
: unpleasant to taste or smell
b
: disagreeable, distasteful
an unsavory assignment
especially : morally offensive
unsavory business practices

Examples of unsavory in a Sentence

He is an unsavory character. an unsavory blend of spices that simply overwhelmed the fish's delicate flavor
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.
Such is the current state of the world that people are more entitled than ever to a blast of music and merriment, devoid of unsavory downsides. Anthony Lane, New Yorker, 28 Mar. 2025 Years later, in 1999, Puig located a promising building in Miami’s Park West neighborhood, then an unsavory part of downtown. Katie Bain, Billboard, 25 Mar. 2025 Off-screen, Ashford, who portrays Jesperson’s daughter, Melissa G. Moore, has dealt with her 8-year-old son Jack making some unsavory discoveries of his own. Dana Rose Falcone, People.com, 19 Mar. 2025 Some will respond that the CCP yet again has unsavory qualities that make expansion in China unsavory. John Tamny, Forbes, 13 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for unsavory

Word History

First Known Use

13th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of unsavory was in the 13th century

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Unsavory.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/unsavory. Accessed 4 Apr. 2025.

Kids Definition

unsavory

adjective
un·​sa·​vory ˌən-ˈsāv(-ə)-rē How to pronounce unsavory (audio)
ˈən-
1
: having little or no taste
2
: having a bad taste or smell
3
: morally bad
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!