UNFAVOURABLE

Pronunciation (US):

(GB):

 Dictionary entry overview: What does unfavourable mean? 

• UNFAVOURABLE (adjective)
  The adjective UNFAVOURABLE has 3 senses:

1. not encouraging or approving or pleasing

2. (of winds or weather) tending to hinder or oppose

3. involving or creating circumstances detrimental to success or effectiveness

  Familiarity information: UNFAVOURABLE used as an adjective is uncommon.

 Dictionary entry details 

• UNFAVOURABLE (adjective)

Sense 1

Meaning:

Not encouraging or approving or pleasing

Synonyms:

unfavorable; unfavourable

Context example:

unfavorable impression

Similar:

admonishing; admonitory; reproachful; reproving (expressing reproof or reproach especially as a corrective)

adverse; inauspicious; untoward (contrary to your interests or welfare)

disapproving (expressing or manifesting disapproval)

discriminatory; invidious (containing or implying a slight or showing prejudice)

Also:

negative (expressing or consisting of a negation or refusal or denial)

critical (marked by a tendency to find and call attention to errors and flaws)

uncomplimentary (tending to (or intended to) detract or disparage)

bad (having undesirable or negative qualities)

hostile (characterized by enmity or ill will)

Derivation:

unfavourableness (the quality of not being encouraging or indicative of success)

Sense 2

Meaning:

(of winds or weather) tending to hinder or oppose

Synonyms:

unfavorable; unfavourable

Context example:

unfavorable winds

Similar:

adverse; contrary (in an opposing direction)

Also:

unpropitious (not propitious)

Derivation:

unfavourableness (the quality of not being encouraging or indicative of success)

Sense 3

Meaning:

Involving or creating circumstances detrimental to success or effectiveness

Synonyms:

disadvantageous; unfavorable; unfavourable

Context example:

made an unfavorable impression

Similar:

minus; negative (involving disadvantage or harm)

Also:

inexpedient (not suitable or advisable)

harmful (causing or capable of causing harm)

inopportune (not opportune)

Derivation:

unfavourableness (the quality of not being encouraging or indicative of success)

 Context examples 

And there is something of dignity in his countenance that would not give one an unfavourable idea of his heart.

(Pride and Prejudice, by Jane Austen)

However, an unfavourable lifestyle was associated with a 66% increased risk of stroke compared with a favourable lifestyle, and this increased risk was present within any genetic risk category.

(A healthy lifestyle cuts stroke risk, irrespective of genetic risk, University of Cambridge)

It stands in one of the lowest spots of the park; in that respect, unfavourable for improvement.

(Mansfield Park, by Jane Austen)

The magistrate observed me with a keen eye and of course drew an unfavourable augury from my manner.

(Frankenstein, by Mary Wollstonecraft Shelley)

Sometimes, when the day was very unfavourable, his sisters would expostulate.

(Jane Eyre, by Charlotte Brontë)

Should the result of her observations be unfavourable, she was determined at all events to open the eyes of her sister; should it be otherwise, her exertions would be of a different nature—she must then learn to avoid every selfish comparison, and banish every regret which might lessen her satisfaction in the happiness of Marianne.

(Sense and Sensibility, by Jane Austen)

Miss Murdstone shut her eyes, and disdainfully inclined her head; then, slowly opening her eyes, resumed: David Copperfield, I shall not attempt to disguise the fact, that I formed an unfavourable opinion of you in your childhood.

(David Copperfield, by Charles Dickens)

She could not keep her appointment punctually, however; the weather was unfavourable, and she had grieved over the rain on her friends' account, and felt it very much on her own, before she was able to attempt the walk.

(Persuasion, by Jane Austen)

Her present home, he could not but observe, was unfavourable to a nervous disorder:—confined always to one room;—he could have wished it otherwise—and her good aunt, though his very old friend, he must acknowledge to be not the best companion for an invalid of that description.

(Emma, by Jane Austen)

I am considering your sister's health, said he, addressing himself to Susan, which I think the confinement of Portsmouth unfavourable to.

(Mansfield Park, by Jane Austen)