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 Word Forms

• 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

Lloyds said there was "nothing deceitful or untoward in the introduction" of PwC and that the consultants it worked with had a "proven track record of saving and developing businesses."

From BBC

At the very least, Democrats and Republicans agree that wafting cigarette smoke in someone’s face and capturing their reaction on video — without first asking — is untoward.

From Los Angeles Times

Nothing seemed untoward when the pair went into Forest Park, and the mother said she passed a couple and some other joggers as they headed towards a skate-park area.

From BBC

He told a Commons adjournment debate: "There was no hard evidence against Letby, nobody saw her do anything untoward."

From BBC

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

From BBC

Related Words

• adverse
• disturbing
• perverse
• unfortunate
• unmanageable