# untoward

/əntəˈwɔɹd/ (US) · /ʌntʊwˈɔːd/ (UK) · CEFR C1 · Adjective

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/untoward
Updated: 2026-05-31

## Definition

unpleasant, unexpected, or dangerous. You use this to describe something that goes wrong in a way you did not plan for.

For teachers: unpleasant, unexpected, or dangerous in nature. Often used in formal or technical contexts to describe adverse events or outcomes.

## Examples

- The company is prepared for any untoward event.
- The safety protocol is designed to prevent any untoward incidents during the chemical experiment.
- While the initial results were promising, the researchers remained vigilant for any untoward side effects that might emerge during the extended observation period.

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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.