unfavorably

unfavorably — adverb

1. with a harmful effect on the result, making success less likely or putting someo

1.adverbB2
Definition

with a harmful effect on the result, making success less likely or putting someone at a disadvantage.

Example

Rising fuel costs affected Gita's delivery business unfavorably last winter.

affect + noun + unfavorably

After the storm, field conditions changed unfavorably for Lakan's soccer team.

change unfavorably for + person or group

Common collocations
  • affect unfavorably
  • change unfavorably for
  • fall unfavorably during
Synonyms
  • adversely

    the closest formal equivalent when conditions damage a result

  • negatively

    broader and less precise, since it can also mean disapprovingly

  • disadvantageously

    more formal and often focused on being in a weaker position

Antonyms
  • favorably

    the direct opposite when conditions help a result

  • advantageously

    emphasizes having a helpful or stronger position

Grammar Patterns

affect + noun + unfavorably

change unfavorably for + person or group

fall unfavorably during + period

Usage Note

Often follows verbs such as affect, change, or fall when conditions, timing, or outside events hurt an outcome. Distinguish from sense 2 NEGATIVE OPINION, which is about someone's judgment rather than a bad practical effect.

Common Mistakes

The weather affected the race unfavorable.
The weather affected the race unfavorably.
After a verb like 'affect', use the adverb form, not the adjective.

2. with disapproval, so that a reaction or judgment makes a person or thing seem ba

2.adverbB2
Definition

with disapproval, so that a reaction or judgment makes a person or thing seem bad.

Example

Many readers reacted unfavorably to the magazine's rude cover photo.

react unfavorably to + noun

The committee viewed Caio's proposal unfavorably after the cost estimate doubled.

view + noun + unfavorably

Common collocations
  • react unfavorably to
  • view unfavorably
  • compare unfavorably with
  • speak unfavorably about
Synonyms
  • negatively

    the broad everyday equivalent for a bad reaction or judgment

  • disapprovingly

    focuses more on openly showing dislike or criticism

  • critically

    often emphasizes detailed fault-finding rather than general dislike

Antonyms
  • favorably

    the direct opposite in judgments and reactions

  • approvingly

    emphasizes clear approval in words or expression

Grammar Patterns

react unfavorably to + noun

view + noun + unfavorably

compare unfavorably with + noun

Usage Note

Common with verbs such as react, view, compare, and speak when someone gives a bad opinion. Distinguish from sense 1 BAD EFFECT, where circumstances hurt an outcome instead of expressing disapproval.

Common Mistakes

The parents spoke unfavorable about the movie.
The parents spoke unfavorably about the movie.
After verbs like 'speak' or 'react', use the adverb form, not the adjective.

Word family

Synonym discussion

Sense: adverb/1

Adversely, negatively, and disadvantageously can all sit near unfavorably, but they do not highlight exactly the same thing. Adversely is the closest match when you mean that conditions hurt a result or make success harder. Negatively is broader and can describe either a bad effect or a bad opinion, so it often sounds less precise. Disadvantageously is more formal and usually stresses being in a weaker position compared with someone else. Unfavorably works well when timing, weather, rules, or other outside factors turn against a person or plan. You can say that rising costs affected a business unfavorably, or that a court date fell unfavorably during an important week.

unfavorably ↗adversely ↗negatively ↗disadvantageously

Etymology

LatinFrenchEnglish

Unfavorably was formed by adding the negative prefix un- to favorable and then the adverb ending -ly. The older word favor came into English through French from a Latin root linked with approval, support, and goodwill, so unfavorably keeps the opposite idea of lacking approval or helpful support.