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Unflattering Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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unflattering

[ˌʌnˈflætərɪŋ ]

Definition

Context #1 | Adjective

description

Not showing someone or something in a good light; making someone or something appear less attractive, impressive, or appealing.

Synonyms

unattractive, unbecoming, uncomplimentary, unfavorable.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
unflattering

Used when describing something that does not show a person or thing in a good light. Often used in fashion and personal appearance contexts.

  • That dress is unflattering on her.
  • He made some unflattering remarks about her performance.
uncomplimentary

Used to refer to remarks or comments that are negative and show criticism rather than praise.

  • She made some uncomplimentary remarks about his work.
  • His review of the book was quite uncomplimentary.
unattractive

General term for something or someone that lacks appeal or beauty. Can refer to physical appearance as well as to other things like offers or suggestions.

  • The house was in an unattractive part of the city.
  • He finds the proposal quite unattractive.
unfavorable

Used to describe conditions, opinions, or outcomes that are not good or beneficial, often used in formal or official contexts.

  • The weather forecast is unfavorable for the weekend.
  • The judge gave an unfavorable ruling in the case.
unbecoming

Used to describe behavior, clothing, or actions that are inappropriate or not suitable for a particular person or occasion.

  • Her rude comments were unbecoming of a lady.
  • That outfit is unbecoming for a formal event.

Examples of usage

  • It was an unflattering photo of me, so I asked my friend to delete it.
  • The critic wrote an unflattering review of the movie, highlighting its flaws.

Translations

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

Origin of 'unflattering'

The word 'unflattering' originated from the prefix 'un-' meaning 'not' and the adjective 'flattering.' The term has been used in English since the late 18th century to describe something that does not present someone or something in a positive or attractive manner.

See also: flat, flatfish, flatiron, flatly, flatness, flats, flatten, flattened, flatter, flattery, flatware.

Word Frequency Rank

At rank #28,308, this word represents specialized academic or technical vocabulary. It's less frequently encountered but may be valuable in specific contexts.