Unsavory Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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unsavory
[ʌnˈseɪv(ə)ri ]
Definitions
character
Unpleasant, morally offensive, or disagreeable, especially in taste or smell.
Synonyms
disagreeable, distasteful, offensive.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| unsavory |
Used to describe something or someone that is morally questionable or unpleasant in a way that causes negative judgment.
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| disagreeable |
Fits situations where someone or something is unpleasant, often causing discomfort or annoyance.
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| distasteful |
Appropriate for situations where something induces feelings of dislike or is perceived as inappropriate or offensive.
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| offensive |
Used when something causes anger, upset, or hurt, often due to being rude or inappropriate.
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Examples of usage
- The restaurant had an unsavory reputation for serving expired food.
- She found his unsavory jokes to be inappropriate and offensive.
character
Not morally or socially acceptable; disreputable.
Synonyms
disreputable, shady, unethical.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| unsavory |
This word is often used to describe something morally offensive or unpleasant, particularly when referring to a person's character or actions. It has a negative connotation.
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| disreputable |
Describing someone or something with a bad reputation, 'disreputable' is suitable when indicating that a person or place is not considered respectable.
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| shady |
Often used informally to describe something or someone with questionable honesty or legality. It can convey a sense of suspicion and potentially illicit activity.
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| unethical |
Referring to actions that do not conform to accepted standards of morality. This term is typically used in professional and academic contexts.
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Examples of usage
- He was involved in unsavory business dealings that eventually led to his downfall.
- The newspaper exposed the unsavory practices of the corrupt politician.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Culinary Use
- In cooking, unsavory can describe certain foods that are too salty, bitter, or otherwise unappetizing.
- Common examples are overcooked vegetables or poorly seasoned meats that fail to please the palate.
- The term is often used in gourmet cooking to emphasize the importance of balance in flavor.
Cultural References
- In literature, unsavory characters often lack redeeming qualities, making them undesirable.
- Movies sometimes depict unsavory situations, portraying choices that lead to undesirable outcomes.
- The term is frequently used in the media to describe scandals or news stories that are distasteful.
Psychology
- Perceptions of unsavory qualities can influence social behavior and relationships.
- People may distance themselves from individuals labeled as unsavory, impacting social dynamics.
- Judgments of character often involve a mix of personal values and societal norms about what is considered distasteful.
Idioms and Expressions
- The phrase 'unsavory reputation' refers to a person or thing known for bad behavior or qualities.
- Saying something is 'unsavory' can imply moral or ethical concerns beyond just taste.
- Expressions like 'unsavory business' hint at situations or practices that are disreputable or questionable.
Origin of 'unsavory'
Main points about word origin
- 'Unsavory' comes from Middle English, where 'savour' meant taste or flavor.
- The prefix 'un-' indicates negation, so 'unsavory' literally means without taste.
- Related terms include 'savor' and 'savory,' which refer to enjoyable flavors.
The word 'unsavory' originated from the combination of 'un-' (meaning 'not') and 'savory' (meaning 'pleasant in taste or smell'). Initially, it was used in the literal sense to describe food that was unpleasant to taste or smell. Over time, the term evolved to also encompass moral and social aspects, referring to things or people that are morally offensive, disagreeable, or disreputable.