favorable
Americanadjective
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characterized by approval or support; positive.
a favorable report.
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creating or winning favor; pleasing.
to make a favorable impression.
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affording advantage, opportunity, or convenience; advantageous.
a favorable position.
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(of an answer) granting what is desired.
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boding well; propitious.
The signs are favorable for a new start.
Other Word Forms
Derived Forms
Etymology
Origin of favorable
First recorded in 1300–50; Middle English, from Anglo-French, Middle French, from Latin favōrābilis; equivalent to favor + -able
Explanation
The word favorable describes something positive or promising, such as a two-thumbs-up movie review or the perfect conditions for golf. When things are going well, or in your favor, they’re favorable. Favorable is an adjective that describes approval or good conditions for something. If you wrote a book, you’d want the reviews to be favorable. If the weather is favorable, it's sunny out and perfect for a picnic. If you wanted to go swimming, thunderstorms would be unfavorable: they would ruin your plans. Favorable situations make us smile.
Vocabulary lists containing favorable
"Principles of Business," Vocabulary from Chapter 3
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Content Summary G.3: Spatial Reorganization
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Charlotte's Web
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Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
From current levels, I see only 2% to 3% additional downside versus longer-term upside potential of more than 20%, creating a favorable risk-reward setup.
From Barron's • Jun. 1, 2026
The bank’s credit performance was also favorable, with the provision for credit losses of C$917 million below the C$1.15 billion Rizvanovic anticipated.
From The Wall Street Journal • May 28, 2026
He would target companies seeking business with the federal government, specifically in the defense or intelligence sectors, and would make “demands for equity or favorable investment terms.”
From Slate • May 28, 2026
Loans are penalty-free and you pay yourself back at a rate that is more favorable than taking a cash advance on a credit card, for example, Hunter Peterson noted.
From MarketWatch • May 28, 2026
Along the way, many pedestrians gave my semi-costume favorable notice.
From "A Confederacy of Dunces" by John Kennedy Toole
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
