unfavorably

Intermediate (B1)

IPA: /ʌnˈfeɪvərəblɪ/

KK: /ʌnˈfeɪvərəbli/

adverb

Definition

In a way that is not good or positive; negatively.

Example

The proposal was received unfavorably by the committee.

Conversation

Did you hear how the critics reviewed that new restaurant?

Yeah, I did. They seemed to judge it unfavorably overall.

That's surprising because I thought the food was really good.

Me too! It's a shame they focused on the negatives.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Synonyms

adversely

negatively

unpleasantly

Antonyms

favorably

positively

pleasantly

Root Explanation

Unfavorably → It is formed from "un-" (meaning not) and "favor" (from Latin "favorem", meaning goodwill or support) and "-ably" (meaning in a manner). The word "unfavorably" means in a manner that is not supportive or beneficial.

Memory Tip

Think of 'not' ('un-') being combined with 'goodwill' ('favor') to remember that 'unfavorably' means in a way that lacks support or is negative.

Visually Confused Words