unfavorable

[uhn-fey-ver-uh-buhl]

adjective

1. not favorable; contrary; adverse.

   an unfavorable wind.

2. not propitious.

   an unfavorable omen.

3. unfortunate; undesirable; disadvantageous.

   an unfavorable development.

Other Word Forms

• unfavorableness noun
• unfavorably adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of unfavorable¹

Middle English word dating back to 1540–50; un- ¹, favorable

Example Sentences

Senate Democrats begin the 2026 election cycle with an unfavorable map, a disgruntled base and a weak and selfish leader.

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Still, “during market stress insurers may be forced to sell at unfavorable prices, leading to realized losses and earnings volatility,” Moody’s said.

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Many planned residential and other commercial projects in Los Angeles have stalled prior to construction in recent years as developers face economic headwinds, including unfavorable interest rates and rising costs of materials and labor.

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However, refined copper imports slowed, impacted by elevated prices, ample domestic supply, and unfavorable import arbitrage conditions, according to ANZ Research.

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Many experts point out that the initiation of HRT must be within 10 years of the onset of menopause, because the data clearly demonstrate that the risk-benefit ratio becomes unfavorable when initiated after 60.

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Related Words

• adverse 
• antagonistic 
• calamitous 
• damaging 
• destructive 
• disadvantageous 
• hostile 
• negative 
• objectionable 
• ominous 
• troublesome 
• unfriendly