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

• untowardly adverb
• untowardness noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of untoward¹

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

Example Sentences

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

From Los Angeles Times

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

From 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.

From BBC

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

From BBC

Bieber’s camp released a statement Thursday asserting that nothing untoward ever happened between the two.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• adverse 
• disturbing 
• perverse 
• unfortunate 
• unmanageable