unfavorable

/ˈʌnˌfeɪvərəbəl/

/ənˈfeɪvrəbəl/

If a movie receives mostly unfavorable reviews, that means the reviews were not good because most people who saw it didn’t enjoy it at all.

The word unfavorable combines the prefix un-, meaning "not," with the word favorable, referring to something "positive or beneficial." When something is described as unfavorable, it suggests that the situation isn’t going your way — like when the weather forecast predicts rain for your outdoor event. An unfavorable outcome can lead to frustration, disappointment, or unmet expectations, signaling that circumstances aren’t aligning in your favor.

Definitions of unfavorable

1. adjective

   not favorable
   “made an unfavorable impression”

   “unfavorable reviews”

   synonyms: unfavourable

   bad

   having undesirable or negative qualities
2. adjective

   not encouraging or approving or pleasing
   “unfavorable conditions”

   “an unfavorable comparison”

   “"unfavorable comments", "unfavorable impression”

   synonyms: unfavourable

   negative

   expressing or consisting of a negation or refusal or denial

   critical

   marked by a tendency to find and call attention to errors and flaws

   uncomplimentary

   tending to (or intended to) detract or disparage

   admonishing, admonitory, reproachful, reproving

   expressing reproof or reproach especially as a corrective

   adverse, inauspicious, untoward

   contrary to your interests or welfare

   disapproving

   expressing or manifesting disapproval

   discriminatory, invidious

   containing or implying a slight or showing prejudice

   bad

   having undesirable or negative qualities

   hostile

   characterized by enmity or ill will

   antonyms:

   favorable

   encouraging or approving or pleasing

   affirmative, affirmatory

   affirming or giving assent

   complimentary

   conveying or resembling a compliment

   affirmative, approbative, approbatory, approving, plausive

   expressing or manifesting praise or approval

   indulgent

   being favorably inclined

   good

   having desirable or positive qualities especially those suitable for a thing specified
3. adjective

   (of winds or weather) tending to hinder or oppose
   “unfavorable winds”

   synonyms: unfavourable

   unpropitious

   not propitious

   adverse, contrary

   in an opposing direction

   antonyms:

   favorable

   (of winds or weather) tending to promote or facilitate

   propitious

   presenting favorable circumstances; likely to result in or show signs of success

   following

   in the desired direction