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

Derived Forms

• ˌuntoˈwardness, noun
• ˌuntoˈwardly, adverb

Other Words From

• un·to·wardly adverb
• un·to·wardness noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of untoward¹

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

Example Sentences

In a statement, the World Conker Championships said nothing "untoward" was seen by judges or umpires.

From BBC

Phone calls were also listened in on, Ms Mulla said, and if members of the security team heard anything "untoward" or "negative about Mohamed Al Fayed", again they would be reported back.

From BBC

It says these allegations have been put under intense scrutiny by the National Audit Office which found nothing untoward.

From BBC

“There is nothing untoward about investigating these types of things,” he said, explaining that although dishonesty is the “core” of Brady material, past convictions could be a sign of “moral turpitude.”

From Los Angeles Times

"It will be great to be back out on the streets again, watching out for the community and making sure nothing untoward is happening in the early hours."

From BBC

Related Words

• adverse
• disturbing
• perverse
• unfortunate
• unmanageable