unsavory

adjective

un·​sa·​vory ˌən-ˈsā-və-rē 

-ˈsāv-rē

1

: insipid, tasteless

2

a

: unpleasant to taste or smell

b

: disagreeable, distasteful

an unsavory assignment

especially : morally offensive

unsavory business practices

Synonyms

• brackish
• distasteful
• unappetizing
• unpalatable
• yucky
• yukky

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

There’s still a frequent unsavory whiff of exploitation and voyeurism to kidnapping films. —Dennis Harvey, Variety, 17 Apr. 2025

As an adult, Katt developed a reputation for taking on roles that required him to play unsavory types. —Stephen Battaglio, Los Angeles Times, 13 Apr. 2025

Greg/Gary The White Lotus' resident big bad, Gary (formerly known as Greg), is obviously a suspect given his unsavory past and menacing aura. —Randall Colburn, EW.com, 4 Apr. 2025

This season has been filled with all sorts of unsavory drama, including a party turned incestuous, a surprise cameo (and unsettling monologue) from Sam Rockwell and an Inigo-Montoya-esque confrontation with a shadowy landowner. —Clare Mulroy, USA Today, 2 Apr. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

13th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for unsavory

• proslavery
• antislavery
• bravery
• knavery
• savory
• slavery

Kids Definition

unsavory

adjective

un·​sa·​vory ˌən-ˈsāv(-ə)-rē 

ˈən-

1

: having little or no taste

2

: having a bad taste or smell

3

: morally bad