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
ˌən-ˈfla-tə-riŋ-lē How to pronounce unflattering (audio)
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.
Three of the four Democrats running in the historic August 11 First Congressional District primary have been casting unflattering lights on each other’s campaign finance reports. — Kevin Rennie, Hartford Courant, 25 July 2026 All of those have sometimes been used to paint Rodgers in a certain way – usually as aloof or haughty in articles that typically were unflattering. — Armando Salguero Outkick, FOXNews.com, 21 July 2026 Troubled childhood Records, social media posts and interviews paint an unflattering picture of Randolph’s life. — Brittany Wallman, Miami Herald, 9 July 2026 The locals who work for safari companies have an apt and often unflattering way of naming sportsmen. — Jack O'Connor, Outdoor Life, 8 July 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

Rhymes for unflattering

See All Rhymes for unflattering

Browse Nearby Words

unflashy
unflattering
unflatteringly
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Unflattering.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/unflattering. Accessed 5 Aug. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on unflattering

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for unflattering

Nglish: Translation of unflattering for Spanish Speakers

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