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.
Fans would rather see screenshots of your FIFA matches and unflattering angles of you sitting on the couch than the umpteenth brand collaboration or photo shoot. Jeff Ihaza, Rolling Stone, 18 Apr. 2025 Johnny Depp, Amber Heard trial exposed shocking claims of abuse The return followed an unflattering spotlight for the former industry titan, which was ignited by his 2022 defamation case against his ex-wife, actress and model Heard. Jay Stahl, USA Today, 15 Apr. 2025 In Wisconsin, ads from both sides painted unflattering portraits of the candidates. Megan O’Matz, ProPublica, 6 Apr. 2025 Several information experts said that Mr. Trump’s executive orders have authoritarian overtones, reminiscent of when Russia cloned Wikipedia, an online encyclopedia, and stripped it of unflattering material. Tiffany Hsu, New York Times, 5 Apr. 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 28 Apr. 2025.

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