unflattering

adjective

un·​flat·​ter·​ing ˌən-ˈfla-tə-riŋ How to pronounce unflattering (audio)
: 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.
But unflattering headlines have dogged the Buddhist monk for years – including his acceptance of a 1 million yuan ($140,000) car from the local government as a reward for promoting tourism in 2006. Nectar Gan, CNN Money, 28 July 2025 Too Much, the 10-episode Netflix series from Lena Dunham, invites a series of unflattering comparisons to the Girls auteur’s earlier work. Derek Robertson, The Washington Examiner, 25 July 2025 On the July 24 episode of Pod Meets World, the actress talked about how her character, Topanga Lawrence, exhibited some unflattering behavior that didn't make sense as a bride-to-be. Angela Andaloro, People.com, 25 July 2025 Disney’s connection to Anaheim sometimes has drawn unflattering critiques, with the company viewed as overly powerful and the city as overly welcoming. Michael Slaten, Oc Register, 13 July 2025 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.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/unflattering. Accessed 4 Aug. 2025.

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