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Synonyms

unflattering

British  
/ ʌnˈflætərɪŋ /

adjective

  1. not flattering

    in an unflattering light
"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

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.

Arsenal's form at this stage of the season is unflattering when compared to City's.

From BBC

That conversation with Terence Allen, an investment banker based in Abu Dhabi, has some details of RBS's plans to restructure, and unflattering reflections on the chief executive, Stephen Hester.

From BBC

But then I remember the unflattering picture of Mom painted by Aunt Melissa.

From Literature

Early designs were so ugly—with an unflattering roof line that gave the vehicle a bulbous appearance—that some frustrated employees began calling the vehicle the “white whale.”

From The Wall Street Journal

Though both Mr. Jackman and Ms. Hudson are given unflattering hair and costumes, Mr. Brewer and the actors clearly like and respect these folks, and the appreciation shines through.

From The Wall Street Journal

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.