unfavorable

adjective

un·​fa·​vor·​able ˌən-ˈfā-v(ə-)rə-bəl How to pronounce unfavorable (audio)
-ˈfā-vər-bəl
1
b
: expressing disapproval : negative
unfavorable reviews
2
: not propitious : disadvantageous
an unfavorable business climate
3
: not pleasing
an unfavorable feature of the plan
unfavorableness noun
unfavorably
ˌən-ˈfā-v(ə-)rə-blē How to pronounce unfavorable (audio)
-ˈfā-vər-bəl
adverb

Examples of unfavorable in a Sentence

She formed an unfavorable impression of him. the company chose to accept the unfavorable settlement rather than spend more money on legal fees
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
In their poll conducted between January 22 and 27, Trump had ticked up to a favorability rating of +2, with 50 percent favorable and 48 percent unfavorable. Dan Perry, Newsweek, 31 Jan. 2025 There, 57% of men held a favorable view, while 55% percent of women held an unfavorable impression of him. Anita Chabria, Los Angeles Times, 30 Jan. 2025 The company's gross margin decreased slightly to 52.4% due to unfavorable product mix and higher commodity costs, partially offset by manufacturing productivity savings. Quartz Intelligence Newsroom, Quartz, 22 Jan. 2025 Trump's proposals for student loans during his first term were also unfavorable for borrowers who want to have their loans forgiven. Robert Farrington, Forbes, 20 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for unfavorable 

Word History

First Known Use

1548, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of unfavorable was in 1548

Dictionary Entries Near unfavorable

Cite this Entry

“Unfavorable.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/unfavorable. Accessed 8 Feb. 2025.

Kids Definition

unfavorable

adjective
un·​fa·​vor·​able ˌən-ˈfāv-(ə-)rə-bəl How to pronounce unfavorable (audio)
1
: expressing disapproval
unfavorable comments
2
: likely to make difficult or unpleasant
unfavorable weather for a camping trip
unfavorably adverb

More from Merriam-Webster on unfavorable

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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