unfavorable
Americanadjective
-
not favorable; contrary; adverse.
an unfavorable wind.
-
not propitious.
an unfavorable omen.
-
unfortunate; undesirable; disadvantageous.
an unfavorable development.
Other Word Forms
- unfavorableness noun
- unfavorably adverb
Etymology
Origin of unfavorable
Middle English word dating back to 1540–50; un- 1, favorable
Explanation
If a movie receives mostly unfavorable reviews, that means the reviews were not good because most people who saw it didn’t enjoy it at all. The word unfavorable combines the prefix un-, meaning "not," with the word favorable, referring to something "positive or beneficial." When something is described as unfavorable, it suggests that the situation isn’t going your way — like when the weather forecast predicts rain for your outdoor event. An unfavorable outcome can lead to frustration, disappointment, or unmet expectations, signaling that circumstances aren’t aligning in your favor.
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
The mood among consumers soured notably in early April, with the Iran conflict getting the blame for unfavorable changes in business conditions and personal finances.
From MarketWatch • Apr. 10, 2026
The company expects earnings per share to rise quarter-over-quarter, excluding unfavorable timing effects that will reverse over time.
From Barron's • Apr. 8, 2026
“The risks to the labor market and inflation both tilt in unfavorable directions, that is, toward a weaker labor market and a greater persistence of above-target inflation,” he said.
From MarketWatch • Apr. 2, 2026
More than a year later, 56% of those polled said they had an unfavorable view of her, while 31% viewed her favorably.
From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 22, 2026
I asked him whether he thought there was any chance of overturning the verdict if it was unfavorable.
From "The Stranger" by Albert Camus
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
