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; see origin at un- 1, favorable
Explanation
If a movie receives mostly unfavorable reviews, that means the reviews were not good because most people who saw it didn’t enjoy it at all. The word unfavorable combines the prefix un-, meaning "not," with the word favorable, referring to something "positive or beneficial." When something is described as unfavorable, it suggests that the situation isn’t going your way — like when the weather forecast predicts rain for your outdoor event. An unfavorable outcome can lead to frustration, disappointment, or unmet expectations, signaling that circumstances aren’t aligning in your favor.
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.
What if the interest-rate curve looks unfavorable for banks?
From Barron's • Apr. 16, 2026
The mood among consumers soured notably in early April, with the Iran conflict getting the blame for unfavorable changes in business conditions and personal finances.
From MarketWatch • Apr. 10, 2026
Beer shipments rose 1.1% amid favorable pricing, partially offset by unfavorable mix.
From Barron's • Apr. 8, 2026
In one recent high-profile poll, about 56% of respondents said they had an unfavorable view of Bass.
From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 6, 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.
