adj
unsavory
uhn-SAYV-uhr-ee
adj
1
Morally distasteful or disreputable.
"He had ties to some unsavory characters from his past."
"Rumours swirled about the company's unsavory business practices."
2
Unpleasant to taste or smell.
"The bland, unsavory stew was barely edible."
"An unsavory odour drifted from the kitchen."
How to Use Unsavory
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishDistasteful — usually describing shady people or dealings, sometimes literally bad-tasting food.
Common pairings
unsavory character
unsavory reputation
unsavory business
Word Forms
more unsavory comparative, most unsavory superlative
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Etymology
From un- ("not") plus savory, "having a pleasant taste."