unbecoming
/ˌʌnbɪˈkʌmɪŋ/ (bre, ipa) · [ˌʌnbɪkˈʌmɪŋ] /ˌʌnbɪˈkʌmɪŋ/ (ame, ipa) · [ˌʌnbɪkˈʌmɪŋ] /ˌən-bi-ˈkə-miŋ How to pronounce unbecoming (audio)/ (ame, mw)
unbecoming — adjective
- unbecomingpositive
- more unbecomingcomparative
- most unbecomingsuperlative
1. said about clothes, colours, or a style that do not flatter the person wearing t
said about clothes, colours, or a style that do not flatter the person wearing them — making them look worse rather than better
Esther's bright yellow scarf was unbecoming against her warm skin tone.
unbecoming against [skin tone]
Kwame returned the jacket after his wife said the colour was unbecoming on him.
Yuki tried on three pairs of trousers, all unbecoming in the fitting-room mirror.
Fatima avoided wearing orange because she found the shade deeply unbecoming.
The tailor told Oleksandr the tight cut was unbecoming for his broad shoulders.
- unflattering
more direct and common; less formal than unbecoming
- unsuitable
broader in scope — can refer to fit, occasion, or style, not just appearance
- unattractive
simpler and more common, but less specific to how clothing suits a particular person
- flattering
making the wearer look more attractive
- becoming
old-fashioned or literary equivalent of 'flattering'
文法句型
unbecoming + on + [person]
unbecoming + for + [person]
用法筆記
Typically describes clothing, colours, or styles — not the person. The person is introduced with 'on' or 'for'.
常見錯誤
2. failing to meet the standard of behaviour expected of someone in a particular po
failing to meet the standard of behaviour expected of someone in a particular position, situation, or relationship
Mei-Ling felt the loud jokes were unbecoming at her grandmother's funeral.
unbecoming at [event/situation]
The judge told Tariq that shouting in court was unbecoming conduct.
Amara's colleagues thought her public criticism of the manager was unbecoming.
Sven was warned that getting drunk at the office party was unbecoming behaviour.
Nalini found the ambassador's rude remarks unbecoming of his diplomatic position.
- inappropriate
more common and direct; broader in everyday use
- improper
carries a stronger suggestion of moral or ethical wrongdoing
- unseemly
similar in formality; emphasises a lack of social grace or decorum
- appropriate
meeting accepted standards of behaviour
- proper
conforming fully to social or professional expectations
- becoming
old-fashioned equivalent of 'appropriate' or 'fitting'
文法句型
unbecoming + of + [role/position]
unbecoming + [noun: conduct/behaviour/remarks]
用法筆記
Often followed by 'of' when linking the behaviour to a person's role or status. Distinguish from sense 1 (UNFLATTERING LOOK), which is about appearance.