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Unfavourable Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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unfavourable

[ʌnˈfeɪv(ə)rəb(ə)l ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Adjective

weather forecast

Not likely to be beneficial or advantageous; adverse.

Synonyms

adverse, detrimental, negative, unfavorable.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
unfavourable

Used to describe conditions or situations that are not beneficial or could be harmful. Often used in formal contexts.

  • The weather forecast predicts unfavourable conditions for tomorrow's match
  • The study results were unfavourable for the new drug
unfavorable

American English spelling of 'unfavourable', otherwise identical in meaning and usage.

  • The market conditions are currently unfavorable for new investments
  • His management style received unfavorable reviews
adverse

Used to describe effects or conditions that are harmful or preventing success, typically used in medical, legal, or business contexts.

  • Adverse weather conditions delayed the flight
  • The patient had an adverse reaction to the medication
negative

Used to describe something that is bad, harmful, or pessimistic. Can be applied to thoughts, behaviors, outcomes, and more.

  • She always has a negative outlook on life
  • The test results were negative, confirming there is no infection
detrimental

Used to describe something that causes damage or harm. Often applied in environmental, health, or social contexts.

  • Smoking has a detrimental effect on health
  • Eating too much sugar can be detrimental to your teeth

Examples of usage

  • The unfavourable weather conditions led to the cancellation of the outdoor event.
  • Due to the unfavourable forecast, many flights were delayed.
Context #2 | Adjective

opinion

Not expressing approval or support; disapproving.

Synonyms

critical, disapproving, uncomplimentary, unflattering.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
unfavourable

Use when describing something that is not favorable or beneficial, often in formal or written contexts.

  • The weather forecast for the weekend is unfavourable, with heavy rains expected.
  • He received an unfavourable review from his supervisor.
disapproving

Best used when expressing disapproval or dislike, often conveying a personal or subjective opinion.

  • She gave a disapproving look when she saw his messy room.
  • His parents were disapproving of his decision to drop out of college.
critical

Appropriate in situations where someone is pointing out faults or problems and might be analyzing them deeply. This can be used in both formal and informal contexts.

  • Her critical assessment of the project helped them to improve it significantly.
  • The article offered a critical view of the government's new policy.
uncomplimentary

Used when someone is making a negative or critical comment. It often carries a negative connotation and can be seen as impolite.

  • The celebrity was upset by the uncomplimentary remarks about her outfit.
  • He made an uncomplimentary comment about the food at the party.
unflattering

Used when something does not show something or someone in a good way, often related to appearance or portrayal in a negative manner.

  • The photo was unflattering and did not capture her true beauty.
  • The interview painted an unflattering picture of the politician.

Examples of usage

  • Her unfavourable review of the movie influenced many people not to watch it.
  • The teacher had an unfavourable opinion of the student's behavior.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Business and Economics

  • In economics, 'unfavourable' conditions might refer to market changes that negatively impact profits.
  • Terms like 'unfavourable balance of trade' highlight a situation where a country imports more than it exports.
  • Investors often assess unfavourable trends to make decisions about which businesses to support.

Psychology

  • Studies have shown that unfavourable feedback can motivate individuals to improve performance.
  • People are more likely to remember unfavourable experiences than favourable ones due to psychological bias.
  • Coping strategies often help individuals deal with perceptions of unfavourable circumstances in their lives.

Everyday Life

  • Weather conditions described as unfavourable can disrupt plans, like rain on a wedding day.
  • In sports, an unfavourable score can indicate a team is losing, affecting the players' morale.
  • Events such as strikes or protests can create unfavourable situations for businesses and local economies.

Literature

  • In many novels, characters face unfavourable situations that drive the plot and characterize them.
  • Literary themes often explore how protagonists overcome unfavourable circumstances to achieve growth.
  • Classic tragedies frequently depict unfavourable outcomes as key elements in character development.

Origin of 'unfavourable'

Main points about word origin

  • The word originates from the Old French 'unfavorable', combining the prefix 'un-' meaning 'not' with 'favorable', meaning 'good' or 'helpful'.
  • Etymologically, it can be traced back to the Latin 'favorem', which means 'favor' or 'support'.
  • The shift of meaning reflects historical contexts where favor or support was crucial for success.

The word 'unfavourable' originated from the combination of the prefix 'un-' meaning 'not' and the word 'favourable' meaning 'giving approval or support'. It first appeared in the English language in the 15th century.

See also: favour, favourable, favourite.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranked #11,224, this word falls into high-advanced vocabulary. It appears less frequently but is valuable for expressing precise meanings in specific contexts.