# unfavorable

/ˌənˈfeɪvɝəbəɫ/ (US) · CEFR B2 · Adjective

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/unfavorable
Updated: 2026-05-07

## Definition

not good or helpful for you. You use this to describe a situation or opinion that makes things difficult or shows someone does not like something.

For teachers: expressing a lack of approval or providing disadvantageous conditions. Often used to describe environmental factors, economic climates, or critical reviews.

## Examples

- The team faced unfavorable weather conditions during the match.
- The company decided not to launch the new product after receiving unfavorable feedback from the initial focus groups.
- Despite the unfavorable market conditions and rising interest rates, the startup managed to secure enough venture capital to sustain its operations through the fiscal year.

## Usage notes

- Often appears before a noun (attributive) or after linking verbs like 'be', 'seem', or 'become' (predicative).

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.