Unfavorable Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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unfavorable

[ʌnˈfeɪvərəbəl ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Adjective

weather conditions

Not favorable or conducive; adverse; unsuitable.

Synonyms

inauspicious, unpromising, unpropitious.

Examples of usage

  • The stormy weather created unfavorable conditions for outdoor activities.
  • Due to the unfavorable forecast, the picnic was postponed.
Context #2 | Adjective

opinion

Not approving or supportive; disapproving.

Synonyms

critical, negative, unfavourable.

Examples of usage

  • Her unfavorable opinion of the movie influenced my decision not to watch it.
  • The committee's unfavorable review led to the rejection of the proposal.

Translations

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Interesting Facts

Business

  • In finance, conditions labeled as unfavorable might indicate poor market trends that could lead to losses.
  • Companies often seek to avoid unfavorable terms in contracts, which could lead to disadvantageous outcomes.
  • Understanding unfavorable market conditions can help businesses adapt and strategize for better results.

Psychology

  • Research shows that individuals often focus more on unfavorable feedback in social settings, which can impact self-esteem.
  • Cognitive biases may lead people to interpret neutral situations as unfavorable due to anxiety or past experiences.
  • A positive mindset can help individuals turn unfavorable situations into opportunities for growth.

Environmental Science

  • Unfavorable weather patterns, such as droughts or floods, can significantly affect agriculture and food supply.
  • Climate change is leading to increasingly unfavorable conditions for many ecosystems worldwide, threatening biodiversity.
  • Understanding unfriendly environmental conditions helps researchers develop better conservation strategies.

Literature

  • In classic literature, characters often face unfavorable odds that challenge their bravery and determination, creating compelling narratives.
  • Many authors use unfavorable settings or circumstances to symbolize internal conflict or growth in their characters.
  • Literary analysis often explores how authors depict unfavorable situations to engage readers emotionally.

Origin of 'unfavorable'

Main points about word origin

  • The word comes from the Latin 'favorabilis', meaning 'pleasing', with the prefix 'un-' added to imply the opposite.
  • In English, 'favorable' has been used since the 15th century, but adding 'un-' to negate it became common in later centuries.

The word 'unfavorable' originated from the combination of the prefix 'un-' meaning 'not' and the word 'favorable' which comes from the Latin word 'favorabilis' meaning 'to be favored'. Over time, the term evolved to describe something that is not advantageous or supportive.


See also: disfavor, favor, favorable, favorably, favored, favoring, favorite, favoritism, unfavorability, unfavorableness, unfavorably, unfavored.

Word Frequency Rank

Position #8,154 indicates this is an advanced-level word. While not essential for basic communication, it will enhance your ability to understand and create more nuanced content.