unflattering

adjective

un·​flat·​ter·​ing ˌən-ˈfla-tə-riŋ How to pronounce unflattering (audio)
Synonyms of unflatteringnext
: not flattering
an unflattering portrait
especially : unfavorable
unflattering remarks
unflatteringly adverb

Examples of unflattering in a Sentence

She was wearing the most unflattering outfit.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Under her watch, the department routinely ignored the separation of powers, withheld evidence that may have painted the president in unflattering light and even undertook prosecutions at his behest. Barbara McQuade, Twin Cities, 16 Apr. 2026 The tabloid is widely known to pay for images of famous people caught in potentially unflattering situations. Dominick Mastrangelo, The Hill, 15 Apr. 2026 Beyond the claims itself, evidence released in the trial had revealed some unflattering conversations between Live Nation representatives, perhaps most notably a set of exchanges between two regional employees bragging to each other about gouging concertgoers on ancillary fees and parking spaces. Ethan Millman, HollywoodReporter, 15 Apr. 2026 The narrative was positive for the Gibbs organization, which has been ensnared in some unflattering headlines after suing former competition director Chris Gabehart for breach of contract. ABC News, 13 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for unflattering

Word History

First Known Use

1581, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of unflattering was in 1581

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Cite this Entry

“Unflattering.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.grautoblog.com/dictionary/unflattering. Accessed 24 Apr. 2026.

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