unfavorable

/ʌnˈfeɪ.vər.ə.bəl/ (bre, ipa) · [ˌʌnfˈevɚəbəl] /ʌnˈfeɪ.vɚ.ə.bəl/ (ame, ipa) · [ˌʌnfˈevɚəbəl] /ˌən-ˈfā-v(ə-)rə-bəl How to pronounce unfavorable (audio) -ˈfā-vər-bəl/ (ame, mw)

unfavorable — adjective

  • unfavorablepositive
  • more unfavorablecomparative
  • most unfavorablesuperlative

1. the American English spelling of unfavourable

1.形容詞B1
釋義

the American English spelling of unfavourable

例句

The Boston style guide changed unfavourable to unfavorable for US readers.

American spelling contrast: unfavorable / unfavourable

Our spell-check marked unfavourable because the report was set to American English.

同義詞
  • unfavourable

    Same meaning; this is the standard British spelling.

文法句型

unfavorable (American English)

unfavorable not unfavourable

用法筆記

American variety only. British English usually writes unfavourable, so keep one spelling consistently for the audience you are writing for.

常見錯誤

❌The London leaflet kept the unfavorable spelling.
✅The London leaflet kept the unfavourable spelling.
💡British publications usually prefer the -our form.

2. making success harder because the situation works against you instead of helping

2.形容詞B2
釋義

making success harder because the situation works against you instead of helping

例句

Heavy rain and rough seas created unfavorable conditions for the rescue boat.

collocation: unfavorable conditions for + activity

Lauren chose to wait because the exchange rate was unfavorable that week.

同義詞
  • adverse

    More formal and common in official, scientific, or legal writing.

  • disadvantageous

    Focuses more clearly on putting someone in a weaker position.

  • unhelpful

    More everyday and less formal, often for advice or behavior.

反義詞
  • favorable

    Describes conditions that help success or produce a good result.

  • advantageous

    Stresses a clear benefit or edge.

文法句型

unfavorable + conditions / weather / terms

be + unfavorable to + person or group

be + unfavorable for + activity

用法筆記

Most often used for conditions, terms, weather, odds, or timing. It commonly takes to or for when naming the person, group, or activity placed at a disadvantage.

常見錯誤

❌She felt unfavorable after the exam.
✅She felt discouraged after the exam.
💡'Unfavorable' describes conditions, terms, or results, not a person's feelings.
❌The deal was unfavorable of local farmers.
✅The deal was unfavorable to local farmers.
💡Use 'to' when naming the side harmed by the situation.

3. expressing a negative opinion or reaction rather than support or approval

3.形容詞B2
釋義

expressing a negative opinion or reaction rather than support or approval

例句

The newspaper gave the plan an unfavorable review after the budget cuts.

collocation: unfavorable review

Ayesha received an unfavorable reply from the visa office on Friday.

同義詞
  • negative

    Broader and more neutral, used for opinions, reactions, or results.

  • critical

    More clearly points to finding faults or pointing out problems.

  • opposed

    Stronger when someone actively resists an idea or plan.

反義詞
  • favorable

    Shows support, approval, or a good opinion.

  • approving

    Directly emphasizes clear support or praise.

文法句型

unfavorable + review / report / comment

be + unfavorable to + proposal or plan

用法筆記

Common with reviews, reports, replies, comments, and decisions. When it describes an attitude to an idea or plan, it often takes to rather than for.

常見錯誤

❌The manager was unfavorable about the proposal.
✅The manager was unfavorable to the proposal.
💡Use 'to' for an attitude toward an idea or plan.
❌The storm gave us an unfavorable review.
✅The storm created unfavorable conditions for us.
💡Use this sense for negative judgments, not for weather or other practical conditions.