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Definition of unfavorable
unfavorable
/ʌnˈfeɪ.vər.ə.bəl/
(UK: unfavourable)
un · fa · vor · a · ble
Adverb:unfavorably
unfavorable Lexical Profile
CEFR
B2
Grade
6
Tier
2
Usage
Top 5k
unfavorable Game Scores & Validity
Scrabble US
Scrabble UK
WWF
Wordle Guess
• adjective
1
American Not likely to lead to a positive outcome; disadvantageous or hindering success.
Example
"The sailors decided to postpone their departure due to unfavorable weather conditions."
2
American Expressing disapproval, criticism, or opposition.
Example
"The novel received several unfavorable reviews from literary critics upon its initial release."
Synonyms
View all synonyms for unfavorable Antonyms
View all antonyms for unfavorable• Rhymes for unfavorable
• Nearby Words
Word Origin & Etymology
Formed in Middle English from the prefix 'un-' (not) and 'favorable', which derives via Old French from the Latin 'favorabilis', ultimately from 'favere' meaning 'to show kindness or be inclined toward'.
Cite this Entry
Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Unfavorable. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 3, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/unfavorable