unfavourable

USAGE SUMMARY

The word 'unfavourable' is correct in written English and can be used when discussing something that is not welcome or liked.
For example: The recent market conditions have been unfavourable for the company's growth.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The maths are still not horribly unfavourable but Ireland's gut feeling must be of crushing disappointment.

The Guardian - Sport

And while the idea of shifting unfavourable content down the list sounds simple, it's far from easy.

The Guardian - Tech

It has been floated, he says, that the UK could escape its obligations without leaving the treaty by the simple expedient of insisting that parliament be required to approve any judgment that is unfavourable to the UK.

The Guardian

His case was funded by the United Motorcycle Council of Queensland, who chose him for his lack of assets in case of an unfavourable costs order.

The Guardian

"A government study cited illegal persecution through shooting, trapping and disturbance as the main reason for the hen harrier's unfavourable conservation status in England," said Madge.

The Guardian

Though Dorries said the tax set-up of the Littlewoods pension pot was her primary concern, she took the opportunity to take a pop at the Barclay Brothers' reputation for using lawyers against those delivering unfavourable coverage of their affairs.

The Guardian

For me, that means investigator-led protocols, independent data analysis and complete academic freedom to publish the results, even if they are unfavourable to the funder.

The Guardian - Opinion

Barratt's application is one of dozens of new high-rise housing developments planned along the banks of the Thames and the trend has invited unfavourable comparisons with high rise proliferation in Shanghai and Dubai.

The Guardian

The saga cast regulators, bankers and auditors in a desperately unfavourable light for not spotting the fraud much more quickly than they did.Europe's Enron offered a chance for the comprehensive reform of Italy's financial regulation that it so badly needs.

The Economist

Outrageously unfavourable exchange rates imposed by banks when sending money abroad, once unavoidable, can now be circumvented via dozens of online money-changers.No matter which service fintech newcomers "unbundle" from incumbents, the banks' business model will suffer.

The Economist

The polls show that 47% of Illinois voters have an unfavourable opinion of Mr Ryan, and fewer than a fifth believe he did not know about the licence peddling.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing conditions or outcomes, use "unfavourable" to convey a sense of negativity or disadvantage, choosing it over alternatives like "bad" for a more nuanced and formal tone.

Common error

Be mindful of the spelling. "Unfavourable" is the British English spelling, while "unfavorable" is the American English spelling. Ensure you use the correct spelling according to your target audience.

Linguistic Context

The word "unfavourable" functions primarily as an adjective. It modifies nouns to describe them as not conducive to success or well-being, indicating disapproval or opposition. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and frequent usage in varied contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Formal & Business

30%

Science

15%

Less common in

Academia

5%

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "unfavourable" is a versatile adjective used to express negativity or disapproval, particularly in describing situations, conditions, or opinions. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and common usage. While "unfavourable" and "unfavorable" are interchangeable depending on spelling preferences (British vs. American English), being mindful of the target audience is crucial. This guide provides practical usage tips, highlights common errors, and offers alternative phrases like "adverse", "negative", and "disadvantageous" for varied expression. Its presence across diverse, reputable sources like The Economist and The Guardian solidifies its standing in formal and professional communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

unfavorable

A direct synonym, primarily differing in spelling convention (American vs. British English).

adverse

Implies opposition or antagonism, often suggesting a more significant negative impact.

disadvantageous

Highlights the creation of an unfavorable position or circumstance.

negative

A general term for something bad or undesirable, less specific than "unfavourable".

undesirable

Indicates that something is not wanted or liked.

detrimental

Focuses on the harm or damage caused by something.

inauspicious

Suggests that something is a bad omen or indicative of future misfortune.

unpropitious

Similar to "inauspicious" but emphasizes a lack of favorable conditions.

unlucky

Implies bad fortune or a lack of success.

poor

Indicates a substandard or inadequate quality, often in relation to results or conditions.

FAQs

How to use "unfavourable" in a sentence?

You can use "unfavourable" to describe situations, conditions, or opinions that are negative or create a disadvantage. For example, "The economic forecast is "unfavorable" for small businesses" or "He received "negative" feedback on his performance".

What can I say instead of "unfavourable"?

You can use alternatives like "adverse", "negative", or "disadvantageous" depending on the specific context.

Which is correct, "unfavourable" or "unfavorable"?

"Unfavourable" and "unfavorable" are both correct, but "unfavourable" is the British English spelling, while "unfavorable" is the American English spelling.

What's the difference between "unfavourable" and "adverse"?

While both words indicate something negative, "unfavourable" generally suggests something is not helpful or positive, while "adverse" implies something actively opposing or harmful.