unsavory
adjective
un·sa·vory
ˌən-ˈsā-və-rē 
-ˈsāv-rē
2
a
: unpleasant to taste or smell
b
: disagreeable, distasteful
an unsavory assignment
especially
: morally offensive
unsavory business practices
Examples of unsavory in a Sentence
He is an unsavory character.
an unsavory blend of spices that simply overwhelmed the fish's delicate flavor
Recent Examples on the Web
It was published in 1975, just two months after the Manila fight, with a mandate from Ali’s handlers to scrub unsavory elements of his life.
—
Vann R. Newkirk Ii, The Atlantic, 16 Sep. 2025
Here are six that led to IU's unsavory title:
Response to Palestine solidarity encampment
In spring 2024, a Palestine solidarity encampment stood for months in Dunn Meadow as part of a movement of solidarity encampments erected at universities across the country.
—Cate Charron, IndyStar, 9 Sep. 2025
Ensuring that the everyday coat of crumbs, pet hair, and any other unsavory particulate has been removed is essential.
—Mary Catherine McAnnally Scott, Southern Living, 1 Sep. 2025
The Dodgers immediately fired Mizuhara; investigations were launched by MLB and the IRS; and five days later, Ohtani issued a statement denying any role in a scandal that echoed unsavory chapters of the sport’s past.
—David Amsden, Rolling Stone, 29 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for unsavory
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Vann R. Newkirk Ii, The Atlantic, 16 Sep. 2025
Here are six that led to IU's unsavory title:
Response to Palestine solidarity encampment
In spring 2024, a Palestine solidarity encampment stood for months in Dunn Meadow as part of a movement of solidarity encampments erected at universities across the country.
—Cate Charron, IndyStar, 9 Sep. 2025
Ensuring that the everyday coat of crumbs, pet hair, and any other unsavory particulate has been removed is essential.
—Mary Catherine McAnnally Scott, Southern Living, 1 Sep. 2025
The Dodgers immediately fired Mizuhara; investigations were launched by MLB and the IRS; and five days later, Ohtani issued a statement denying any role in a scandal that echoed unsavory chapters of the sport’s past.
—David Amsden, Rolling Stone, 29 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for unsavory
Cite this Entry
“Unsavory.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/unsavory. Accessed 21 Sep. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
unsavory
adjective
un·sa·vory
ˌən-ˈsāv(-ə)-rē
ˈən-
1
: having little or no taste
2
: having a bad taste or smell
3
: morally bad
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