unfavorable

American  

[uhn-fey-ver-uh-buhl] / ʌnˈfeɪ vər ə bəl /

adjective

1. not favorable; contrary; adverse.

   an unfavorable wind.

2. not propitious.

   an unfavorable omen.

3. unfortunate; undesirable; disadvantageous.

   an unfavorable development.

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Other Word Forms

• unfavorableness noun
• unfavorably adverb

Etymology

Origin of unfavorable

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

Example Sentences

But most National Rage Survey respondents gave AI chatbots ambiguous or modestly unfavorable ratings as tools for complaints.

From The Wall Street Journal

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

From The Wall Street Journal

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

From The Wall Street Journal

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.

From Los Angeles Times

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

From The Wall Street Journal

Related Words

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