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unsavoury

British  
/ ʌnˈseɪvərɪ /

adjective

  1. objectionable or distasteful

    an unsavoury character

  2. disagreeable in odour or taste

"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

Other Word Forms

  • unsavourily adverb
  • unsavouriness noun

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.

Morikawa's team-mate Xander Schauffele said "unsavoury things" were said on the course.

From BBC • Oct. 8, 2025

Locals referred to them as Johnnies, a nickname that carries unsavoury connotations.

From BBC • Sep. 20, 2025

But it might spark unsavoury scenes as well.

From BBC • Sep. 8, 2025

When the Dutch striker then went on to miss an injury-time penalty in the game that was billed 'Battle of Old Trafford', it sparked unsavoury reactions from his opponents - in particular Martin Keown.

From BBC • Aug. 18, 2025

The Kneazle has an uncanny ability to detect unsavoury or suspicious characters and can be relied upon to guide its owner safely home if they are lost.

From "Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them" by J.K. Rowling