Word
unflattering
Phoneticsun·flat·ter·ing, stress on the second syllable
US/ənˈfɫætɝɪŋ/
UK/ʌnflˈætəɹɪŋ/
Definition
adj. describing something that makes a person look or feel bad. You use this to talk about photos, clothes, or comments that do not look good on someone.
adj. describing a person or thing in a way that is unattractive or damaging to their reputation. Often used to describe physical appearance or critical feedback.
Examples
“The camera took an unflattering photo of him.”
“She avoided wearing that dress because it was unflattering and made her feel uncomfortable in the office.”
“The documentary was criticized for its unflattering portrayal of the politician, focusing on his personal failures rather than his public achievements.”
Examples
simple
“The camera took an unflattering photo of him.”
contextual
“She avoided wearing that dress because it was unflattering and made her feel uncomfortable in the office.”
complex
“The documentary was criticized for its unflattering portrayal of the politician, focusing on his personal failures rather than his public achievements.”
Real-World Examples
“Blanche offered no evidence for his claim that the outlets’ reporting was inaccurate, rather than simply unflattering to the president.” Etymology
From un- + flattering.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
- Frequency
- Occasional
- Level
- B2 · Upper Intermediate
- Updated
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QR code
englishreference.com/q/unflattering