Definition

The state of being inappropriate or unfavorable; an unexpected or troublesome situation.

Example

The untowardness of the event caught everyone by surprise.

Conversation

Have you ever experienced any untowardness during your travels?

Yeah, once I got stuck in a storm while hiking, it was pretty scary.

That sounds intense! I hope nothing too serious happened from that untowardness.

Luckily, I found shelter in time, but it was definitely a moment to remember.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Untowardness → It is formed from "un-" (meaning not) and "toward" (from Old English *toweard*, meaning facing or directed towards) and the suffix "-ness" (meaning the state or quality of). The word "untowardness" refers to the state of being not favorable or inappropriate.

Memory Tip

Think of 'not' ('un-') being combined with 'facing' or 'directed towards' ('toward') to remember that 'untowardness' means a state of being unfavorable or inappropriate.

Visually Confused Words