Unsavory: meaning, definitions and examples

Used to describe something or someone that is morally questionable or unpleasant in a way that causes negative judgment.

• The politician was involved in some unsavory activities.
• There were unsavory characters hanging around the alley.

Fits situations where someone or something is unpleasant, often causing discomfort or annoyance.

• The weather was disagreeable with all the rain and cold wind.
• He can be quite disagreeable when he's tired.

Appropriate for situations where something induces feelings of dislike or is perceived as inappropriate or offensive.

• The joke he made was distasteful and nobody laughed.
• She found the conversation about money to be distasteful.

Used when something causes anger, upset, or hurt, often due to being rude or inappropriate.

• His comments about her appearance were offensive.
• The movie contained offensive language that upset many viewers.

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.

• The politician was involved in unsavory activities that tarnished his reputation.
• She avoided the unsavory parts of town because they made her feel unsafe.

Describing someone or something with a bad reputation, 'disreputable' is suitable when indicating that a person or place is not considered respectable.

• He was known to frequent disreputable bars in the city.
• The disreputable company was frequently in trouble with the law.

Often used informally to describe something or someone with questionable honesty or legality. It can convey a sense of suspicion and potentially illicit activity.

• I wouldn't trust that guy; he seems really shady.
• They made a lot of money through some shady business deals.

Referring to actions that do not conform to accepted standards of morality. This term is typically used in professional and academic contexts.

• It is unethical to use one's position of power to exploit others.
• The company's practices were deemed unethical by the industry watchdog.