untoward

[uhn-tawrd, -tohrd]

adjective

1. unfavorable or unfortunate.

   Untoward circumstances forced him into bankruptcy.

2. improper.

   untoward social behavior.

3. Archaic.,  froward; perverse.

untoward

/ ˌʌntəˈwɔːd, ʌnˈtəʊəd /

adjective

1. characterized by misfortune, disaster, or annoyance

2. not auspicious; adverse; unfavourable

3. unseemly or improper

4. out of the ordinary; out of the way

5. archaic,  refractory; perverse

6. obsolete,  awkward, ungainly, or uncouth

Other Word Forms

• untowardness noun
• untowardly adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of untoward¹

First recorded in 1520–30; un- ¹ + toward

Example Sentences

That a single internal error could introduce an unbacked $300 trillion into the crypto ecosystem, even if briefly and with no untoward effects, makes clear that not all of crypto benefits from decentralization.

Read more on Barron's

“There is nothing unusual or untoward about team sponsors doing endorsement deals with players on the same team,” the statement said in part.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Network Rail also investigated after receiving a report of trespassers, but did not find anything untoward, the PA news agency reported.

Read more on BBC

On Monday, the Lions assistant coach John Dalziel was asked about Hansen and he indicated the wing was fine, was taking part in the Lions walk-through session and was showing no signs of anything untoward.

Read more on BBC

"I don't think he's done anything untoward towards me," Norris says.

Read more on BBC

Related Words

• adverse 
• disturbing 
• perverse 
• unfortunate 
• unmanageable