untoward

American  

[uhn-tawrd, -tohrd] / ʌnˈtɔrd, -ˈtoʊrd /

adjective

1. unfavorable or unfortunate.

   Untoward circumstances forced him into bankruptcy.

2. improper.

   untoward social behavior.

3. Archaic. froward; perverse.

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untoward British  

/ 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

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Other Word Forms

• untowardly adverb
• untowardness noun

Etymology

Origin of untoward

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

Example Sentences

Out of nowhere, Ric appeared, said hello to everyone and, as if nothing untoward had happened, sat down and ate his eggs and beans.

From BBC

I hadn’t forgotten the accusing look Miss Buckner had given me when she saw me with the petty cash—as if I had been doing something untoward, soliciting favors from Mr. Haber.

From Literature

He has two working parents with education and access to all the information in the world and nothing that untoward might happen to his individual children.

From BBC

There is no suggestion there is anything untoward, and the deals have all been carried out within the rules.

From BBC

“I assure you both that there was nothing untoward. I take full responsibility for any tarnish to your son’s purity.”

From Literature

Related Words

• adverse
• disturbing
• perverse
• unfortunate
• unmanageable