unfavorable
Americanadjective
-
not favorable; contrary; adverse.
an unfavorable wind.
-
not propitious.
an unfavorable omen.
-
unfortunate; undesirable; disadvantageous.
an unfavorable development.
Other Word Forms
- unfavorableness noun
- unfavorably adverb
Etymology
Origin of unfavorable
Middle English word dating back to 1540–50; un- 1, favorable
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.
“The risks to the labor market and inflation both tilt in unfavorable directions, that is, toward a weaker labor market and a greater persistence of above-target inflation,” he said.
From MarketWatch • Apr. 2, 2026
A fishing boat that was converted into an aid vessel, which had also left Mexico last Friday, arrived on Tuesday, a few days later than planned due to unfavorable weather, currents and battery issues.
From Barron's • Mar. 27, 2026
More than a year later, 56% of those polled said they had an unfavorable view of her, while 31% viewed her favorably.
From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 22, 2026
Often, the source of their unfavorable choice is a misguided reliance on past performance.
From MarketWatch • Mar. 12, 2026
"His conduct here under very unfavorable circumstances has been exemplary," the prison warden wrote.
From Nazi Saboteurs by Samantha Seiple
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.
