UNTOWARD

Pronunciation (US):

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IPA (US):

 Dictionary entry overview: What does untoward mean? 

• UNTOWARD (adjective)
  The adjective UNTOWARD has 2 senses:

1. not in keeping with accepted standards of what is right or proper in polite society

2. contrary to your interests or welfare

  Familiarity information: UNTOWARD used as an adjective is rare.

 Dictionary entry details 

• UNTOWARD (adjective)

Sense 1

Meaning:

Not in keeping with accepted standards of what is right or proper in polite society

Synonyms:

indecent; indecorous; unbecoming; uncomely; unseemly; untoward

Context example:

moved to curb their untoward ribaldry

Similar:

improper (not suitable or right or appropriate)

Sense 2

Meaning:

Contrary to your interests or welfare

Synonyms:

adverse; inauspicious; untoward

Context example:

made a place for themselves under the most untoward conditions

Similar:

unfavorable; unfavourable (not encouraging or approving or pleasing)

 Context examples 

She lived with her single daughter in a very small way, and was considered with all the regard and respect which a harmless old lady, under such untoward circumstances, can excite.

(Emma, by Jane Austen)

She could hardly have made a more untoward choice.

(Mansfield Park, by Jane Austen)

Any untoward medical occurrence in a patient or clinical investigation subject administered a pharmaceutical product and which does not necessarily have a causal relationship with this treatment.

(Adverse event, NCI Thesaurus/CDISC)

The other way Uranus could work is that you receive sudden untoward news that shocks you and knocks you off-kilter.

(AstrologyZone.com, by Susan Miller)

“This is untoward, Sir Tristram,” he said at last.

(The White Company, by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle)

The untoward medical consequence (or experience) of an unintentional inhalation of oro-pharyngeal or gastric contents into trachea or the lung airways.

(Aspiration Adverse Event, NCI Thesaurus)

I think, Watson, that we must spare time to run down together on Saturday morning and make sure that this curious and inclusive investigation has no untoward ending.

(The Return of Sherlock Holmes, by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle)

He has a sullen, rebellious spirit; a violent temper; and an untoward, intractable disposition.

(David Copperfield, by Charles Dickens)

“No; indigestion,” I retorted, and continued my walk as if nothing untoward had occurred.

(The Sea-Wolf, by Jack London)

Her efforts in this line, however, were brought to an abrupt close by an untoward accident, which quenched her ardor.

(Little Women, by Louisa May Alcott)