unsavory

adjective

un·​sa·​vory ˌən-ˈsā-və-rē How to pronounce unsavory (audio)
-ˈsāv-rē
1
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 Another and more jeopardizing concern is that guides might contain unsavory or out-of-sorts indications. Lance Eliot, Forbes, 11 Oct. 2024 The evidence against Finney is thus frequently discounted, as is the evidence in favor of more unsavory prospects. Gideon Lewis-Kraus, The New Yorker, 9 Oct. 2024 Uma Thurman is a heartbreaking standout as his wife, who is forced to watch as her husband unveils unsavory details about his past. Patrick Ryan, USA TODAY, 7 Oct. 2024 Dab, buff, polish, and voila! Cell Phones Scratches, germs, bacteria, skin cells...so many unsavory things are being carted around on our cell phones. Mary Catherine McAnnally Scott, Southern Living, 5 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for unsavory 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'unsavory.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

13th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of unsavory was in the 13th century

Dictionary Entries Near unsavory

Cite this Entry

“Unsavory.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/unsavory. Accessed 31 Oct. 2024.

Kids Definition

unsavory

adjective
un·​sa·​vory ˌən-ˈsāv(-ə)-rē How to pronounce unsavory (audio)
ˈən-
1
: having little or no taste
2
: having a bad taste or smell
3
: morally bad

More from Merriam-Webster on unsavory

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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